Understanding the Social Security payment schedule is crucial for retirees, especially those born between the 1st and 20th of any month who have recently encountered a delay in receiving their next Social Security check. The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments based on birthdates using a staggered schedule throughout each month. This means that retirees born in this date range who received their August payments earlier this month will not see another payment until September. In this article, readers will gain a clear understanding of this schedule, why payments happen this way, the impact of holidays on payments, and practical advice for budgeting and planning ahead.
This guide aims to explain the payment timeline in a way that is easy to understand for everyone, including younger audiences, while providing in-depth insights for professionals and financial planners.
Retirees Born Between 1st–20th Won’t Get Next Social Security Check Until September
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment schedule for 2025 | Social Security payments are divided by birth date: 1st–10th (2nd Wed), 11th–20th (3rd Wed), 21st–31st (4th Wed) |
| August 2025 payments | Birthdays 1–10 received on August 13; 11–20 on August 20; next payment in September |
| September 2025 payment dates | September payments for birthdays: 1–10 on Sept 10, 11–20 on Sept 17, 21–31 on Sept 24 |
| Early SSI payment in late August | SSI recipients get two payments in August due to Labor Day holiday affecting September payment |
The Social Security payment delay experienced by retirees born between the 1st and 20th of any month in August 2025 is due to the SSA’s strategic and birth date-based payment schedule. This staggered system ensures smooth processing and distribution of millions of payments monthly and accounts for federal holidays that can shift payment dates. By understanding the payment calendar, planning for potential gaps, and using official SSA resources, beneficiaries can manage their finances more effectively and avoid unexpected surprises.
Whether for personal budgeting or professional financial planning, grasping this schedule is key to maintaining financial stability and peace of mind.
What is the Social Security Payment Schedule for 2025?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays monthly benefits to eligible retirees, dependents, and survivors. For those who began receiving benefits after May 1997, payments are made on a schedule tied to the recipient’s birth date to help manage and stagger cash flow, both for beneficiaries and financial institutions.
- Those born between the 1st and 10th of the month receive their payments on the second Wednesday of each month.
- Those born between the 11th and 20th receive theirs on the third Wednesday.
- Those born after the 20th get their payments on the fourth Wednesday.
For example, in August 2025:
- Birthdays 1st–10th were paid on August 13.
- Birthdays 11th–20th were paid on August 20.
- Birthdays 21st–31st will get paid on August 27.
This means retirees born in the first two groups have already received their August payment and must wait until September to receive the next one on their scheduled date.
Why Don’t Retirees Born Between the 1st and 20th Get Another Check in August?
Because the SSA pays benefits monthly based on birth dates, and the payment calendar for August 2025 follows the staggered system, retirees born between the 1st and 20th already received their benefit checks in earlier weeks of August. For example:
- Those born on the 1st to the 10th received theirs on August 13.
- Those born on the 11th to the 20th received theirs on August 20.
Since these beneficiaries were already paid out, the next payment for them will not occur until September, following the same scheduling sequence.
Additionally, the SSA avoids double payments in a single month to maintain a smooth distribution system.
How Do Holidays Affect Social Security Payments?
Federal holidays can shift payment dates. If a scheduled payment date lands on a weekend or holiday, the payment is typically issued on the preceding business day.
For 2025, this caused a unique case with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients:
- September 1, 2025, falls on Labor Day, a federal holiday.
- Consequently, SSI payments for September will be sent early on Friday, August 29.
- This results in SSI recipients receiving two payments in August: one on August 1 and another on August 29.
This early payment ensures recipients do not miss their benefits due to the holiday.
Social Security Payment Dates for September 2025
In September 2025, Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability payments will follow the usual birthday-based staggered schedule:
- Birthdays 1–10: Payment on Wednesday, September 10
- Birthdays 11–20: Payment on Wednesday, September 17
- Birthdays 21–31: Payment on Wednesday, September 24
It is important to note that these dates are designed to facilitate efficient payment processing and ensure that millions of beneficiaries receive timely deposits.
Practical Advice for Beneficiaries
1. Plan Ahead for Payment Gaps
Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 20th should anticipate a gap after their August payment until the next scheduled payment in September. This may require budgeting carefully during the late August to early September period.
2. Monitor Bank Accounts
Always check bank statements and balances around the expected payment dates to ensure the Social Security deposit arrives and to catch any potential delays or errors as early as possible.
3. Understand Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Differences
SSI payments are on a different schedule, typically the first of every month. In months with holidays, SSI may be received earlier (such as in August 2025), which can be confusing.
4. Use SSA’s Official Resources for Payment Tracking
Visit the SSA official website to access payment calendars and tools to estimate future payments. This can help beneficiaries stay informed and plan accordingly.
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FAQs About Retirees Born Between 1st–20th Won’t Get Next Social Security Check Until September
Q1: Why are Social Security payments paid based on birth dates?
A1: This staggered system helps the SSA manage payouts efficiently throughout the month and avoids overwhelming the payment system or banks with all payments on one day.
Q2: What happens if my payment date falls on a holiday?
A2: Payments are issued on the preceding business day to ensure timely receipt.
Q3: When will I get my next payment if I was born on August 15?
A3: Based on the 11th–20th birth date range, you will receive your payment on the third Wednesday of each month, so for September 2025 it is September 17.
Q4: Do I get two payments if I receive both SSI and Social Security?
A4: Yes, SSI payments are typically on the first of the month, while Social Security retirement payments are scheduled differently based on birth dates.
Q5: Where can I verify my payment schedule?
A5: The official SSA payment calendar on their website offers the most accurate and up-to-date information.
