The collection of a retirement check from the Social Security in the United States is not automatic. Although millions of people already get their payment every month, many others are still waiting for their turn, or don’t even know if they really meet the requirements. The good news is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has already made clear what conditions are essential to get a check in May 2025.
It is common to think that having worked for a few years and paid a little bit of contributions, one is already assured of that monthly income. But this is not always the case. The process is much more defined and, if any of the key requirements are missing, the benefit does not arrive. That is why it is important to be clear from now on who can aspire to a payment and who should wait a little longer.
So if you are counting the days until you get your first check in May, or if you simply want to know if you are eligible, it is a good idea to calmly review the mandatory requirements that the SSA has in place for 2025. Failure to meet them means no payment, at least for now.
Social Security mandatory requirements May 2025
To be entitled to a Social Security retirement check in May 2025, the Administration establishes three essential requirements that must be met:
- Having worked at least 10 years in jobs covered by Social Security, which is equivalent to accumulating 40 work credits.
- Having reached the minimum retirement age, which starts at 62 years old, although with a reduction in the monthly amount. To collect 100% of the benefit, it is necessary to be between 66 and 67 years old, depending on your year of birth.
- Having formally applied for the benefit through the Social Security portal, by telephone or at a local office. Without an application, there is no payment, even if the other criteria are met.
Only if these three points are met can you access a monthly check, which in May 2025 will arrive on different dates depending on the group to which you belong. Furthermore, if you are already receiving payments, the calendar does not change: you will continue to get your payment according to the usual date established by your payment group.
What to do if you do not yet meet Social Security requirements
If you still haven’t reached 40 work credits, the only solution is to continue working in jobs that contribute to Social Security until you have accumulated the necessary years. It is not possible to get a retirement pension with fewer credits, even if you have reached the minimum age.
If you are not yet of the required age, you can plan when to retire according to your needs: at 62 with a reduction, or wait until the full retirement age to get the full amount. If you decide to work beyond that age, you could even get a higher check thanks to the late retirement bonus.
And if you already meet the requirements but haven’t submitted your application, there’s still time. Remember that payments are not made automatically. Starting the process is key to not losing valuable months of benefits. You can do it online from the official SSA website, or ask for help over the phone if you need guidance.
