Social Security adjustments happen on a fixed schedule, and March brings specific changes each year

Social Security makes most of its annual changes in January — that is when the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect and new benefit amounts begin. March is quieter, but it is not empty. The main March change is the start of the new tax year for self-employed people and the point when some people become newly may be able to access for benefits based on age or work history. Additionally, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your March payment may differ from February because of how the program counts resources and income month to month.

The specific changes that affect you depend on your situation: whether you receive retirement, disability, or survivor benefits; whether you are self-employed; and whether you also receive SSI. This guide explains what typically shifts in March and how to know if it applies to you.

Key Takeaways

  • March is when people who reach full retirement age during that month can begin collecting retirement benefits, and their first payment usually arrives in April.
  • Self-employed workers begin tracking income for the new tax year in March, which affects how much they owe in self-employment tax and how that tax is credited toward Social Security.
  • SSI recipients may see payment changes in March because the program recalculates countable income and resources each month, and March often brings changes in utility costs or other expenses.
  • If you are receiving benefits and your circumstances change in March — such as returning to work, moving, or a change in family status — you must report it to Social Security within 10 days.

Who becomes newly may be able to access for retirement benefits in March

Social Security retirement benefits begin the month you reach your full retirement age, which depends on your birth year. If you were born in March, you reach full retirement age in March. If you were born earlier in the month, your benefits start that same month; if later in the month, they start the following month. Your first payment arrives in the month after benefits begin.

You do not need to do anything special to trigger this change — Social Security's records already show your birth date. However, you should confirm that your earnings record is correct before you reach full retirement age, because any errors in reported wages will affect your benefit amount. You can view your earnings record online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, or request a paper copy by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Self-employment income and the new tax year

March 1 marks the start of the new tax year for self-employed workers. This matters for Social Security because self-employment tax is how self-employed people contribute to the program. The income you earn from March 2024 through February 2025 will be reported on your 2024 tax return (filed in early 2025), and Social Security will credit that income toward your work record.

If you are self-employed and receiving Social Security retirement benefits before full retirement age, the earnings limit also resets in March. In 2024, Social Security reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above $23,400 in a calendar year. The limit changes each year based on wage growth. If you expect to earn above the limit, you should report this to Social Security, because the program may adjust your payments starting in March to account for projected earnings.

SSI payment changes in March

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate program from Social Security retirement and disability benefits. SSI counts your income and resources each month to determine your payment amount. In March, your SSI payment may change because of how the program treats expenses and resource changes that occur during the month.

Common reasons for SSI payment changes in March include changes in utility bills (heating costs often drop as weather warms), changes in living arrangements, or changes in other income you receive. If you live with others and share expenses, or if you receive help paying rent or utilities, those arrangements are counted as income in SSI's calculation. If anything changes in March — such as a roommate moving out, a change in how much you pay for utilities, or a change in other benefits you receive — report it to Social Security within 10 days to avoid overpayment.

Reporting changes that happen in March

Social Security requires you to report certain changes within 10 days. Changes that must be reported include: returning to work or a change in your work status, a change in your address or living situation, a change in your marital status, a change in your bank account information, or a death in your family if you are receiving survivor benefits.

You can report changes online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. If you miss the 10-day window, you may receive an overpayment that Social Security will ask you to repay. Reporting on time protects you from this situation.

How to prepare for March changes

If you are approaching full retirement age in March, log into your my Social Security account now to verify your earnings record is correct. If you spot errors — such as missing years of work or incorrect wage amounts — contact Social Security to request a correction. Corrections can take several months, so starting early matters.

If you are self-employed, set up a system in early March to track your income and expenses for the new tax year. Keep receipts and records organized as you go, because you will need them when you file your 2024 tax return. If you receive SSI, review your living situation and expenses in late February to anticipate any changes that might affect your March payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Social Security benefit amount change in March?

Not automatically. Your benefit amount changes in January when the cost-of-living adjustment takes effect. In March, your payment amount stays the same unless you report a change in your circumstances — such as returning to work, a change in living situation, or a change in other income — that requires Social Security to recalculate your benefit.

I turn full retirement age in March. When do I get my first payment?

Your benefits begin the month you reach full retirement age. Your first payment arrives the following month — so if you reach full retirement age in March, your first payment arrives in April. The amount of that first payment may be smaller than future payments because it covers only part of the month.

What if I am self-employed and already receiving retirement benefits?

You must report your self-employment income to Social Security. If you earn above the annual earnings limit (which changes each year), Social Security will reduce your benefits. The limit resets in March, so if you expect to earn above it in the new tax year, contact Social Security to discuss how it will affect your payments.

I receive SSI. Why did my March payment change?

SSI recalculates your payment each month based on your income and resources. Common reasons for March changes include changes in utility costs, changes in living arrangements, changes in other income, or changes in how much help you receive with expenses. Review your SSI notice to see what changed, or contact Social Security to ask.

What happens if I do not report a change within 10 days?

If Social Security later discovers you did not report a change, you may receive an overpayment — money you were not supposed to get. Social Security will ask you to repay it. Reporting changes on time prevents this situation and keeps your record accurate.