The Social Security Administration issued its final July retirement benefit payments this week—on Wednesday. At the same time, a new AARP survey reveals widespread confusion about how the program works, from eligibility rules to the impact of claiming age.
Here’s a full breakdown of who gets paid this week and the most common misconceptions surrounding Social Security benefits in 2025.
Who qualified for the July 23 Social Security payment?
The July 23 Social Security payment happened for:
- Retirees born between the 21st and 31st of any month
- Individuals who first began receiving benefits after April 30, 1997
- Beneficiaries not currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If you meet all three conditions, your benefit should arrive via direct deposit or, in rare cases, paper check—though electronic payments are now the standard due to fraud-prevention efforts outlined in Executive Order 14247.
💡 Tip: If you’re still receiving paper checks, consider switching to direct deposit to avoid delays, theft, or loss.
How much will the average payment be?
According to the SSA’s latest available data, the average monthly benefit for retired workers is $2,005, up slightly from $2,002 in May 2025. However, individual payments vary based on:
- Your lifetime earnings
- The number of years you worked (35 years is optimal)
- The age at which you began claiming benefits
To maximize your payment, delay retirement until age 70. Doing so can result in a 24% increase in monthly benefits compared to claiming at full retirement age.
Common myths Americans believe about Social Security
1. Misunderstanding trust fund depletion
AARP’s latest survey found 47% of Americans incorrectly believe that if the Social Security trust fund runs out, their benefits will be cut by at least 50%.
📌 Reality: Even if trust funds are depleted (projected around 2034), the SSA expects to still pay about 81% of scheduled benefits, thanks to ongoing payroll tax contributions.
Only 34% of respondents correctly understood that payments would continue at a reduced level—not disappear entirely.
2. Confusion about when to claim benefits
Social Security can be claimed as early as age 62, but doing so reduces your monthly benefit. A typical example:
- $1,000 at full retirement age (67)
- $700 if claimed at 62 (a 30% cut)
- Up to $1,240 if delayed until age 70 (an 8% increase per year after 67)
Yet AARP’s research showed:
- 41% didn’t know the earliest claiming age
- 66% didn’t know the age to claim the maximum benefit
“Actually receiving Social Security changes how people view the program,” said AARP’s Bill Sweeney. Younger Americans tend to be less confident in the system, but also less informed about how it works.
What’s next for Social Security?
Social Security will reach its 90th anniversary in August 2025. While the program remains one of the most popular federal initiatives—with 96% of Americans calling it important—concerns about its long-term stability are growing.
AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan emphasized that the organization will continue advocating for protection and modernization of Social Security:
“We can’t afford for politicians to play games with the future of Social Security… We’ll fight as hard and as long as we need.”
Key takeaways
- Next payment date: July 23, for those born 21st–31st and on benefits after April 1997
- Average benefit: $2,005/month (as of June 2025)
- Biggest myth: Benefits will be slashed in half if the trust fund runs out—this is false
- Smartest move: Delay benefits until age 70 for a 24% boost