As Social Security turns 90, Congress faces financial deadline
Social Security has a cash flow problem. For years, the agency has been paying out more benefits than it takes in via payroll taxes.
Scripps News
Most people who receive Social Security retirement benefits will see their monthly payments in September 2025 as usual — with checks and direct deposits distributed according to the Social Security Administration’s standard schedule.
However, some confusion has surfaced as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will not receive a payment during the month of September. While SSI and Social Security are separate programs, about half of SSI recipients also receive Social Security, which is why the distinction matters.
Social Security retirement payment dates for September 2025
If you receive regular Social Security benefits (not SSI), your payment will arrive on one of the following dates, based on your birthdate and when you first began collecting benefits:
Wednesday, Sept. 3: For those who started receiving Social Security before May 1997Wednesday, Sept. 10: For birthdates between the 1st and 10thWednesday, Sept. 17: For birthdates between the 11th and 20thWednesday, Sept. 24: For birthdates between the 21st and 31st
You can also view the SSA’s full 2025 payment calendar on its official website.
Why some people won’t receive a payment in September
People who receive only SSI benefits will not receive a payment in September because their usual deposit date — the 1st of the month — falls on Labor Day. As a result, their September payment was issued early, on Friday, Aug. 29.
This is standard SSA policy: when the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, SSI payments are made on the preceding business day.
Need help with a missing Social Security payment?
If your scheduled payment date has passed and you haven’t received your payment, the SSA recommends waiting three additional mailing days before contacting them, as the majority of payments are issued electronically and arrive on time.
To speak with someone at the SSA, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) weekdays between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time.
Social Security offices in upstate New York
Here are several SSA office locations across New York state (outside NYC and Long Island):
Albany County: 11 A Clinton Ave., Room 430, Federal BuildingBroome County: 2 Court St., Suite 300, BinghamtonDutchess County: 4 Academy St, PoughkeepsieErie County: 478 Main St., Suite 200, Buffalo; 1900 Ridge Road, Suite 120, West SenecaMonroe County: 200 E. Main St. (second floor), Rochester; 4050 W. Ridge Road (second floor), GreeceOnondaga County: 100 S. Clinton St., Federal Building (fourth floor), SyracuseOrange County: 85 Crystal Run Road, MiddletownWhen can you start collecting Social Security?
You can begin collecting reduced Social Security benefits as early as age 62. To receive the full benefit amount, you’ll need to wait until your full retirement age — which depends on your year of birth.
For example:
Born in 1958: Full retirement age is 66 years, 8 monthsBorn in 1959: Full retirement age is 66 years, 10 monthsBorn in 1960 or later: Full retirement age is 67
The SSA provides detailed tools and calculators on its website to help estimate your monthly payments.