Millions of Americans depend on Social Security for essential monthly income. In September 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is on track to deliver another wave of benefits starting Wednesday, September 10. These payments are distributed according to a carefully designed schedule that takes into account a beneficiary’s birth date or, in certain cases, the birth date of a relevant family member. Special provisions apply to long-time beneficiaries, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, and individuals receiving dual benefits.
To help recipients stay informed and manage their finances, the SSA also adjusts payment dates when the first of the month falls on a federal holiday. The information below explains exactly who receives what and when this month, and also provides updated average payment amounts and changes to direct deposit policies.
Mark Your Calendar: Social Security Deposits Arrive September 10
Who Gets Paid on Wednesday, September 10?
- Retirement, Disability (SSDI), and Survivor Beneficiaries
The SSA will distribute payments on Wednesday, September 10 to those whose birthday, or, if applicable, the relevant family member’s birthday, falls between the 1st and 10th of any month.
Other Payment Dates in September
- Third Wednesday (September 17): Recipients with birthdays from the 11th to the 20th.
- Fourth Wednesday (September 24): Recipients with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st.
Special Cases: Different Payment Dates
- Long-Term Beneficiaries (Pre-May 1997):
Those who began receiving retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits before May 1997 receive their payments on the third of each month, regardless of birth date. For September 2025, these payments fell on Wednesday, September 3. - SSI Recipients:
Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries are typically paid on the first of each month. However, because September 1, 2025, was a federal holiday (Labor Day), their payment was moved to Friday, August 29. - Dual Beneficiaries (SSI + Other SSA Benefits):
Recipients who qualify for both SSI and other SSA benefits usually get two separate payments, SSI on the 1st and the other benefits on the 3rd. This month, SSI was paid on August 29, and their regular SSA payment was issued on September 3.
Average Monthly Payment Amounts (2025)
- Retired Workers: Approximately $2,006.69 per month.
- Disabled Workers: Around $1,582.38 per month.
- Survivor Benefits: About $1,574.28 per month.
- SSI Beneficiaries: Average of $716.09 per month, although actual amounts may vary.
Additionally, the SSA implemented a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in January 2025, adding roughly $50 to average monthly benefits.
For recipients affected by the repeal of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), further increases have been made under the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) — including retroactive adjustments issued in February 2025.
Understanding the September 2025 Payment Timeline
Payment Date
Why Keeping Track Matters
Understanding exact payment dates helps beneficiaries manage essential expenses, such as rent, utilities, groceries, and medication, with confidence. By aligning them with billing cycles and planning ahead, recipients can reduce late fees and missed payments.
Transition to Electronic Payments
Starting September 30, 2025, paper checks will be phased out entirely. Recipients must switch to direct deposit, Direct Express debit cards, or other electronic payment methods. Exceptions are made only for individuals with banking challenges or extreme hardship, subject to U.S. Treasury approval.