Some Social Security recipients will get 2 checks in October. Here's why

October Social Security checks are on the way, with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients set to receive two payments this month.

The Social Security Administration will send its first round of regular October 2026 benefits on Wednesday, Oct. 14, followed by payments on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Wednesday, Oct. 28, according to the SSA’s calendar.

SSI recipients will receive their October payments on Thursday, Oct. 1. Their November payments will arrive early, on Friday, Oct. 30, since Nov. 1 falls on a weekend.

Recipients should be aware of changes to the way the Social Security Administration delivers payments. The SSA plans to fully transition to electronic payments by the end of the year. In addition, Fifth Third Bank is replacing Comerica Bank as the financial agent for the Direct Express debit card program, the SSA said in a May 18 notice.

Looking ahead to next year, the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is currently forecast at 3.5%. The SSA will announce the official increase on Oct. 14.

In Rhode Island, more than 241,000 people rely on Social Security payments every month, according to Congressional Statistics from December 2024. Nearly 71 million Americans get Social Security, and 7.4 million get SSI, according to January 2026 numbers from the SSA.

Here’s what to know about October Social Security payments.

Social Security payment schedule for October 2026

The Social Security Administration’s yearly distribution schedules for 2026 and 2027 are available online for recipients to use for budgeting purposes. Regular Social Security retirement benefits are slated to be distributed on the SSA’s usual schedule based on birth date:

• Wednesday, Oct. 14: Birth dates between the 1st and 10th of the month.

• Wednesday, Oct. 21: Birth dates between the 11th and 20th of the month.

• Wednesday, Oct. 28: Birth dates between the 21st and 31st of the month.

Those who began getting benefits before May 1997 will be paid on Friday, Oct. 2.

Recipients of Supplemental Security Income checks will be issued their October payments on Thursday, Oct. 1, with November payments arriving early on Friday, Oct. 30.

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly benefits to those with limited income or resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. Children with a qualifying disability can also get SSI, according to the SSA’s website.

Adults who qualify for SSI generally do not have monthly wages above $2,073.

Those eligible for SSI can begin the application process online, in person at your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time during the work week.

SSI payment schedule for 2026 and early 2027

SSI checks will be sent out on the following dates in 2026 and early 2027, according to the SSA calendar:

• Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026: October 2026 payment

• Friday, Oct. 30, 2026: November 2026 payment

• Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026: December 2026 payment

• Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026: January 2027 payment

• Monday, Feb. 1, 2027: February 2027 payment

• Monday, March 1, 2027: March 2027 payment

• Thursday, April 1, 2027: April 2027 payment

• Friday, April 30, 2027: May 2027 payment

What do I do if my scheduled payment date passes without payment?

The Social Security Administration suggests that if you don’t receive your payment on the expected date, allow three additional mailing days before contacting the agency. Most will arrive on time because 99% of beneficiaries are paid electronically.

In Rhode Island, there are five Social Security offices. Here’s where:

• 380 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02903

• 4 Pleasant St., Pawtucket, RI 02860

• 30 Quaker Ln., Warwick, RI 02886

• 130 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 02840

• 2168 Diamond Hill Rd, Woonsocket, RI 02895

There’s also one Disability Determination Service office and one Remote Hearing Site in Rhode Island. To find the one closest to you, use the Social Security Office Locator.

When can you start collecting Social Security?

Everyone can start receiving reduced Social Security benefits as early as age 62. However, waiting until full retirement age results in a larger monthly payment. That age has gradually increased in recent years, rising by two months for each successive birth year.

For example, if you were born in 1958, your full retirement age is 66 years and 8 months, while those born in 1959 reach it at 66 years and 10 months. For anyone born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67.

You can calculate your full retirement age on the SSA website.

Mike Snider and Medora Lee of USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Some Social Security recipients will get 2 checks in October. Here’s why