A new Social Security direct deposit worth up to $4,018 is going out this month, and it’s specifically aimed at retirees aged 66–67. It is not like that every aged person is getting this opportunity.
So, who actually are getting this $4018 payment? And when does the payment arrive?
Here’s what you need to know if you’re in that age range or have family members waiting on a check.
Why Some Retirees Are Getting a $4,018 Check
The $4018 that have been directly deposited are not a bonus or extraordinary payment that has taken one by surprise. It is the full monthly benefit that one can claim at the most if he is 66-70 years old (depending on the date of birth) and he has a long high earning profile in the work history.
To reach the maximum $4,018, a person would have to have done the following:
- Have a full retirement age of 66 or 67 years at the time of collecting the benefits(depending on birth year),
- Work at least 35 years,
- Contribute to Social Security at the highest possible level, and
- Served until the full retirement age to start getting the returns.
Those are very tough criteria to meet. It is, however, possible that very few of the retiring workers will be able to meet all the criteria mentioned above, but it is not surprising that whoever managed to do so got the deposit on their accounts.
When Will the Money Arrive?
Social Security payments follow a schedule based on your birthday. If you qualify and your birthday falls between:
- The 1st–10th, you likely got paid July 10.
- The 11th–20th, your check is expected July 17.
- The 21st–31st, you’ll probably be paid on July 24.
The Social Security direct deposit usually arrives on a Wednesday and goes straight into your bank account or prepaid card. There’s no need to apply — it processes automatically if you’re already enrolled.
What If You’re Not Getting the Full Amount?
Even if you’re not getting the full $4,018, don’t panic. The average monthly benefit for retirees in 2025 is around $1,915. Many people receive less based on when they claimed, how long they worked, and what they earned during their career.
You can still track your future payments by logging into your my Social Security account. It shows your expected benefits, past deposits, and upcoming payment dates.
Yes, it’s true — retirees aged 66–67 to collect a Social Security direct deposit of $4,018 in July, but only if they waited until full retirement age and earned enough to qualify. Everyone else will still receive their usual monthly amount, depending on their own earnings history.
If you’re not at full retirement age yet, this is a reminder: waiting longer could mean a much bigger check down the road.
