Social Security recipients getting double payments this October; here's why

The Brief

• Social Security Administration sends some benefits early when the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday.

• In October, SSI payments will be dispersed twice – on Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 – because Nov. 1 falls on a weekend.

• The government shutdown will not affect Social Security payments.

Social Security payments in October have begun disbursing, and certain recipients will receive double payments this month.

However, it’s not an extra payment. Here’s what’s going on with the calendar:

Social Security Income payments

Big picture view

The Supplemental Security Income program provides monthly income to eligible older adults who have little or no income, as well as to disabled individuals, which is different from Social Security’s standard retirement benefits.

Dig deeper

SSI payments are ordinarily disbursed on the first of the month.

But when the first of the month falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, SSI payments for that month are made on the last business day of the preceding month to ensure that beneficiaries have received their funds before the new month begins, and they face potential expenses.

Timeline

Due to the way the 2025 calendar falls, two SSI payments will go out in the month of October – one payment went out on Oct. 1 for October’s benefits, while the second payment will go out on Friday, Oct. 31 for the month of November’s benefits.

RELATED: Social Security October payment schedule: Here’s when recipients get their checks

Government shutdown and social security

Meanwhile

The government shutdown will not affect Social Security payments.

RELATED: Does Social Security stop in government shutdown? What to know

However

The government shutdown could impact the Social Security Administration cost-of-living adjustment announcement, which is scheduled for mid-October.

The announcement gives Social Security beneficiaries an indication of how much their checks may rise in 2026.

READ MORE: Social Security COLA announcement for 2026 may be delayed due to government shutdown

The Source

This story was reported based on information from The Social Security Administration’s website, specific to SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Benefits and RSDI (Retirement, Survivors and Disability) – also referred to as SSA Benefits. Background information was taken from FOX Business. This story was reported from Detroit.