Social Security is paid out on Friday, October 2: who receives benefits today?
In the U.S., some Social Security recipients are to get their latest payment today, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues benefits slightly early.
Monthly money is to be paid out to two groups of beneficiaries, on what is the opening payment date on the SSA’s program schedule for October 2026.
Who gets Social Security benefits today, Friday, October 2?
- Certain long-term recipients
The SSA is to send out October’s Social Security to beneficiaries who have been receiving their monthly payments since before May 1997.
- Social Security + SSI beneficiaries
Today is also this month’s Social Security distribution date for program beneficiaries who simultaneously claim Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
A benefit for certain low-income people, SSI differs from Social Security as it is needs-based. Eligibility is not dependent on a claimant’s employment record.
Worth an average of $738.73 per month, according to the SSA’s latest figures, SSI was due to be paid out for October on Thursday 1.
Why is today’s Social Security going out early?
The two groups of beneficiaries above usually get Social Security on the third of the month. However, as October 3 is a Saturday, the SSA has brought this month’s payment date forward to the nearest working day.
How much are Social Security payments?
- Retirement: $2,033.27
- Disability: $1,498.94
- Survivor: $1,635.70
Average monthly benefit, per SSA stats.
How much will the 2027 COLA be?
The SSA is scheduled to announce its annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on October 14, with the agency expected to enact a 3.5% hike on Social Security and SSI benefits, per a forecast by the Senior Citizens League.
The SSA’s latest COLA is due to be applied to monthly payments from January 2027.
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What other Social Security payment runs are in October?
Of the 71.5 million Social Security beneficiaries nationwide, most will get their money on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in October. Under this three-Wednesdays system, an individual’s designated payment date depends on their birthday:
- Born on 1st-10th of any month: paid on Wednesday, October 14
- Born on 11th-20th of any month: paid on Wednesday, October 21
- Born on 21st-31st of any month: paid on Wednesday, October 28
NB: If you receive Social Security based on someone else’s employment history, the SSA uses the other person’s date of birth.
How does the SSA pay out benefits?
- Direct deposit
Social Security recipients can supply the SSA with their bank details on the online “my Social Security” portal.
- Direct Express
Benefits can be paid onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for recipients without a bank account. Sign up for the card at 1-800-333-1795 or 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office.
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