The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for sending out monthly payments to approximately 70 million Americans, including retirees, individuals with disabilities, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. While these payments are crucial for many households to cover their monthly expenses, not everyone receives them at the same time.
With July’s final round of payments now complete, the next wave of payments is scheduled for August, with some beneficiaries having to wait a little longer to receive their funds.
SSA Payment Schedule: Who Gets Paid When?
The SSA maintains a predictable payment schedule, designed to ensure beneficiaries know exactly when they’ll receive their income. Here’s how the typical monthly schedule works for those receiving retirement or disability benefits:
- Second Wednesday of the month: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th
- Third Wednesday of the month: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- Fourth Wednesday of the month: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st
However, this schedule does not apply to all. Here are the exceptions:
- SSI-only recipients: Paid on the 1st of each month
- SSI + Social Security (retirement or disability): Paid on the 3rd of each month
- Retirees who claimed benefits before May 1997: Also paid on the 3rd of each month
Who Has to Wait Until August?
Since July’s final SSA payments have already been made, the next round of checks will begin with SSI recipients on August 1, followed by retirement beneficiaries who are paid on the 3rd of the month.
That means if you:
- Receive SSI only, your payment will arrive Thursday, August 1
- Receive SSI and retirement, or claimed benefits before May 1997, your next payment is due Saturday, August 3 (possibly arriving earlier if your bank processes early)
- Receive retirement or disability benefits based on your birth date, you will be paid on the 14th, 21st, or 28th of August, depending on your birth day range
How Much Can You Receive?
The maximum monthly Social Security benefit in 2025 is $5,108 — but this amount is reserved for those who meet strict criteria. Most retirees receive far less, with the average monthly retirement benefit hovering around $2,000.
To receive the maximum $5,108, you must:
- Delay claiming benefits until age 70
- Pay Social Security taxes on 35 years of earnings
- Earn at least 40 work credits during your lifetime
Claiming benefits at the earliest possible age (62) reduces the monthly payment, while waiting until 70 can significantly increase it — but no further increases occur after age 70.
Final Reminder
If you’re among those whose birthdays fall later in the month or who follow the standard SSA birth-date payment schedule, you’ll need to wait until the appropriate August Wednesday to receive your next payment.
As always, beneficiaries are encouraged to verify their payment dates and benefit amounts directly through their My Social Security account at ssa.gov or by contacting their local SSA office.
Source: Social Security Administration
