Why some Social Security recipients will get two payments in August
Millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits will notice something different this August—two payments instead of one. If you’re wondering who qualifies and why this is happening, here’s what you need to know about the August 2025 Social Security payment schedule.
Why are there two SSI payments this month?
The double payment this month is not a bonus. It’s a scheduling adjustment caused by the federal holiday on Monday, September 1 (Labor Day), and the fact that SSI benefits are not distributed on weekends.
- First August SSI payment: Friday, August 1
- Second August SSI payment: Friday, August 29
- No SSI payment will be made in September
- Payments resume on October 1 and again on October 31 (since Nov. 1 falls on a Saturday)
This means SSI recipients will receive two checks in August and none in September, although the overall monthly distribution remains unchanged.
Who gets SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are provided to:
- Low-income seniors over age 65
- Individuals with disabilities
- People with limited financial resources
Currently, 7.4 million people in the U.S. receive SSI. The average monthly SSI benefit is $717.75, while the maximum is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples. Some states also offer supplementary payments.
August SSDI payment schedule
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients, your August payment date depends on your birthdate:
- August 14: If born between the 1st and 10th
- August 21: If born between the 11th and 20th
- August 28: If born between the 21st and 31st
If you began receiving benefits before May 1997, or if you receive both SSI and SSDI, your payment date was moved to Friday, August 2.
Regular Social Security (retirement) payments
Recipients of retirement benefits follow the same birthdate-based schedule as SSDI:
- Second Wednesday: August 14 (born 1st–10th)
- Third Wednesday: August 21 (born 11th–20th)
- Fourth Wednesday: August 28 (born 21st–31st)
Those receiving both retirement and SSI benefits also got their checks on August 1.
What to do if your payment is late
If your check does not arrive on the scheduled date:
- Wait three business days before reporting a delay.
- Contact the Social Security Administration or visit your local SSA office.
- Double-check your banking and contact information to ensure everything is up to date.
Key takeaways
- Two SSI checks will arrive in August: on August 1 and August 29.
- No SSI checks will be sent in September, but regular monthly payments resume October 1.
- SSDI and retirement payments will follow the regular Wednesday birthdate-based schedule.
- Always verify your account details and contact SSA if you experience delays.