Social Security Payments Going Out This Week — Who Gets Paid in October 2025
Millions of retirees will receive their October Social Security benefits this week — part of the staggered schedule that sends payments on different Wednesdays each month.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is continuing its regular distribution of benefits for October 2025. The third round of payments will be issued on Wednesday, October 22, marking the final group of the month.
💵 Who Gets Paid This Week
The SSA divides monthly payments based on the recipient’s date of birth. Those born in the third group — between the 21st and 31st of any month — will get their checks this week.
Here’s the October 2025 payment schedule:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Before May 1997 or receiving SSI + Social Security | October 2 |
| 1st–10th | October 8 |
| 11th–20th | October 15 |
| 21st–31st | October 22 |
Anyone who collects Supplemental Security Income (SSI) received their payment on October 1, since SSI benefits always arrive on the first of the month.
📈 How Much Will Recipients Get?
The amount you receive depends on your work history and age when you retired.
Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 monthly maximums:
- Maximum benefit (age 70): $5,108
- Full retirement age (67): up to $3,822
- Early retirement (age 62): up to $2,710
- Average benefit: about $1,907
Payments are made by direct deposit or Direct Express debit card. Those still receiving paper checks should allow extra mailing time due to possible postal delays.
🧓 What to Do If Your Payment Is Missing
If your payment hasn’t arrived within three business days of your scheduled date, the SSA recommends contacting your local field office or calling 1-800-772-1213. Late deposits are often caused by bank holidays or outdated account information.
🪙 What’s Next: COLA Announcement Coming Soon
The 2026 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is expected to be announced later this month, once final inflation data from September is processed.
Early projections suggest a 2.3% to 2.7% increase, which would boost the average benefit by about $47 per month starting in January 2026.
🧾 Key Takeaways
- The final October 2025 Social Security payment goes out October 22.
- Recipients born between the 21st and 31st will receive their benefits this week.
- Maximum benefit: $5,108; average: $1,907.
- The 2026 COLA increase is expected to be announced soon.