Social Security payments: August 2025 schedule, SSI dates, and policy updates
More than 71 million Americans will receive Social Security benefits in August, with some recipients set to receive two payments this month and none in September. The latest monthly schedule from the Social Security Administration (SSA) also arrives as new federal programs — such as President Trump’s “Trump accounts” — raise questions about the future of Social Security itself.
Social Security payment schedule for August 2025
As outlined in the SSA’s official calendar, monthly retirement benefits will be distributed based on a recipient’s birth date:
- Friday, August 1 – Recipients who started collecting before May 1997
- Wednesday, August 13 – Birthdates from the 1st to the 10th
- Wednesday, August 20 – Birthdates from the 11th to the 20th
- Wednesday, August 27 – Birthdates from the 21st to the 31st
(Source: Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / USA Today)
SSI recipients get two payments this month
Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive two checks in August:
- Friday, August 1
- Friday, August 29 (advance September payment due to Labor Day on Sept. 1)
There will be no SSI payment in September as a result of the early distribution.
What is SSI?
SSI is a federal program offering monthly payments to low-income individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. Adults must typically earn less than $2,019/month to qualify. Children with disabilities may also be eligible.
Applications can be started online, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office.
Upcoming SSI payment dates for 2025
The remaining SSI checks in 2025 will be distributed as follows:
- October 1 (Wednesday)
- October 31 (Friday)
- December 1 (Monday)
- December 31 (Wednesday – advance January 2026 payment)
What if your payment is late?
According to the SSA, if you haven’t received your payment on the scheduled date, allow three additional mailing days before contacting them. Over 99% of benefits are paid electronically and arrive on time.
New policy spotlight: Trump’s “backdoor” for Social Security privatization?
A recent development is sparking political debate. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent referred to the newly launched “Trump accounts” as a “backdoor for privatizing Social Security”, according to a report by POLITICO.
The accounts, created by Trump’s new tax law, are:
- Tax-deferred investment accounts
- Allow annual contributions of up to $5,000 per child
- Receive a $1,000 universal federal contribution at birth (2025–2028)
- Designed to grow through investments in U.S. stock-index portfolios
Bessent said the goal is to “make everyone a shareholder in the economy”, adding that long-term growth in these accounts could supplement — or potentially shift reliance from — traditional Social Security.
“This is not an either-or question,” Bessent clarified on X. “Our Administration is committed to protecting Social Security and to making sure seniors have more money.”
But critics were quick to respond. Sen. Chuck Schumer accused the administration of trying to privatize Social Security through the back door. Rep. Richard Neal echoed that concern, saying the remarks “said the quiet part out loud.”
A Treasury spokesperson responded: “Social Security is a critical safety net for Americans and always will be.”
When can you start receiving Social Security?
You can begin collecting reduced benefits at age 62. But waiting until full retirement age (FRA) yields higher monthly payments.
- Born in 1958? FRA = 66 years and 8 months
- Born in 1959? FRA = 66 years and 10 months
- Born in 1960 or later? FRA = 67 years
(Source: SSA.gov, USA Today reporting)
Social Security offices in New York
Here are some SSA office locations in New York (outside NYC and Long Island):
- Albany County: 11 A Clinton Ave., Room 430
- Monroe County: 200 E. Main St., Rochester | 4050 W. Ridge Rd., Greece
- Onondaga County: 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
- Erie County: 478 Main St., Buffalo | 1900 Ridge Rd., West Seneca
- Orange County: 85 Crystal Run Rd., Middletown
- Dutchess County: 4 Academy St., Poughkeepsie
- Broome County: 2 Court St., Binghamton