Final October Social Security Payments Go Out This Week: Here's Who Gets Paid

Retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors of deceased workers are among those set to receive benefits this week, as the Social Security Administration issues its final round of regular payments for October.

Earlier this month, Social Security beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th received their payments on Oct. 14, while those born between the 11th and 20th were paid on Oct. 21.

Recipients who began collecting Social Security benefits before May 1997, as well as those who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), follow a separate payment schedule. Their Social Security benefits are generally issued on the third of each month, but because Oct. 3 fell on a Saturday, payments went out on Friday, Oct. 2.

Recipients of SSI—a needs-based program for seniors and people with disabilities who have limited income—usually receive their regular benefits on the first of the month, with payments sent out on Oct. 1. However, beneficiaries are also scheduled to receive their November payment early on Friday, Oct. 30, since Nov. 1 falls on a Sunday.

Social Security payments are generally based on a worker’s earnings history and contributions made to the system through payroll taxes.

“Social Security will implement this cost-of-living adjustment for 76 million Americans, giving them greater financial stability,” Commissioner Frank Bisignano said. “Under President Donald J. Trump, Social Security is delivering better, faster, higher-quality service for the American people.”

The adjustment will take effect in January 2027 for Social Security beneficiaries, the agency said. SSI recipients will see higher payments beginning with their Thursday, Dec. 31 deposit, which is arriving early because Friday, Jan. 1 is a federal holiday.

The 3.6 percent adjustment is automatic, and beneficiaries do not need to apply or sign up to receive the increase. Those with personal “my Social Security” accounts can check their updated benefit notices online starting in late November if they have enrolled in paperless notices.

The agency said eligible account holders must create an account and opt into electronic alerts by Nov. 18 to access their cost-of-living adjustment notice online; otherwise, it will arrive in the mail in December.