$1,650 Direct Deposit for Retirees – Eligibility Criteria and How to Claim

If you’re retired or planning to retire soon, there’s important news for May 2025. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is continuing its monthly retirement benefit payments, with an average direct deposit amount of $1,650 going out to eligible retirees. This payment is a core part of the financial support millions of Americans rely on every month. While not everyone receives exactly $1,650, this figure represents the national average based on SSA data.

Whether you’re already collecting Social Security or preparing to apply, knowing what to expect, when to expect it, and how to ensure you’re getting every dollar you’re entitled to is essential.

Overview

The $1,650 Social Security direct deposit in May 2025 is not a bonus or a one-time extra check. It’s the average retirement benefit retirees receive every month. Your actual benefit will vary depending on how much you earned during your working years and when you chose to start claiming Social Security.

More than 50 million retirees receive these benefits monthly, and the amount plays a crucial role in covering everyday expenses like housing, food, and medical care.

Payment

Here are the key details about this monthly Social Security deposit:

Topic	Details
Average Monthly Benefit	$1,650 (estimated for May 2025)
Minimum Eligibility Age	62 years
Required Work Credits	40 credits (about 10 years of work)
Payment Dates	May 3, 9, 16, or 23 (based on birthdate)
Direct Deposit	Mandatory
Where to Apply	ssa.gov or local SSA office

The payment is issued via direct deposit, which is now required for all beneficiaries. This makes the process faster and more secure.

Calculation

The amount of Social Security you receive depends on:

• Your lifetime earnings record
• When you start collecting benefits (as early as 62 or as late as 70)
• How many years you worked and contributed to Social Security

Your benefit is based on your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. If you worked fewer than 35 years, zeros are included in the calculation, which may lower your benefit.

One work credit in 2025 is earned for every $1,730 in income. You need 40 credits to qualify for retirement benefits.

Eligibility

To receive the average $1,650 Social Security retirement benefit, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Be at least 62 years old
2. Have worked for at least 10 years in jobs that paid into Social Security
3. Have a valid Social Security number
4. Have applied and been approved for retirement benefits

Remember: claiming early reduces your monthly benefit, while delaying past full retirement age can increase it up to age 70.

Schedule

The SSA uses a payment schedule based on your birthdate. Here’s when you’ll receive your deposit in May 2025:

Birthday Range	Payment Date
Born 1st–10th	Wednesday, May 9
Born 11th–20th	Wednesday, May 16
Born 21st–31st	Wednesday, May 23
Retirees before 1997	Wednesday, May 3

These dates apply only to retirement benefits. If you’re receiving disability or SSI, the schedule may differ.

Claiming

If you haven’t started receiving retirement benefits yet, here’s how to apply:

Step 1

Apply online at ssa.gov/retire, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office.

Step 2

You’ll need to submit:

• Your Social Security number
• Proof of age (birth certificate or ID)
• W-2s or tax records
• Bank account details for direct deposit

Step 3

This can be done through your My Social Security account or by contacting your bank directly.

Step 4

Track your application online at ssa.gov/myaccount or call the SSA for updates.

Already

If you’re already receiving benefits, there’s nothing you need to do to get your May 2025 deposit. Just make sure your contact and banking information are correct in your SSA profile.

You can:

• Log in to your SSA account to update personal info
• Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance

Keeping your information up to date helps prevent delays or missed payments.

FAQs