Millions of Social Security recipients are set to receive their monthly benefits today, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) pledges to carry on making payments as usual – despite the government shutdown.
Social Security payment dates won’t change, SSA says
In a statement on October 1, the SSA said the distribution of benefits “will continue with no change in payment dates”.
The SSA’s communiqué came after Congress failed to pass a new funding bill to avert a federal shutdown before a deadline of midnight ET on the evening of September 30.
In the 14 days since then, lawmakers in Washington, D.C. have remained unable to agree on a spending package, amid a divide between Republicans and Democrats on healthcare funding.
The shutdown is now entering its third week, with thousands of federal workers furloughed without pay until a deal can be reached. This includes around 6,000 SSA employees, per plans released by the agency.
Who’s receiving a Social Security payment today, October 15?
Today, payments are to be made to certain recipients of retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or survivor pay.
Of the just over 70 million people who receive retirement, SSDI or survivor benefits in the U.S., most get their payment on one of three Wednesdays each month, beginning on the second Wednesday.
A recipient’s designated Wednesday is determined by the date of birth of the worker whose Social Security taxes have accumulated the benefits entitlement.
For example, if you receive retirement pay based on your own work record, your birthday is used. If you claim retirement benefits based on a spouse or parent’s employment history, the spouse or parent’s date of birth is used.
On October 15, the SSA is to issue benefits to recipients whose date of birth (or relevant family member’s date of birth) falls between the 11th and 20th of each month.
Weds. payment schedule – Oct. 2025:
Weds., Oct. 8: Beneficiaries born on 1st to 10th
Weds., Oct. 15: Beneficiaries born on 11th to 20th
Weds., Oct. 22: Beneficiaries born on 21st to 31st
Who gets their check on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th Wednesday? Some long-term Social Security beneficiaries
If you started claiming retirement, SSDI or survivor benefits before May 1997, your check typically goes out on the third of each month, irrespective of your date of birth.
These long-term beneficiaries were therefore scheduled to be paid on Friday, October 3.
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – a separate SSA benefit for low-income individuals who are over 65 or have a disability – are normally paid on the first of each month.
This month’s SSI payments therefore went out on Wednesday, October 1.
Dual beneficiaries (SSI + regular Social Security)
Just over 2.5 million people in the U.S. receive both SSI and one of the SSA’s retirement, SSDI or survivor benefits.
These recipients normally were due to get the former on October 1, followed by the latter on October 3.
Recipients outside 2nd, 3rd and 4th Weds. – Oct. 2025
SSI beneficiaries: Weds., Oct. 1
Pre-May ’97 Social Sec. recipients: Fri., Oct. 3
Dual beneficiaries: SSI paid on Oct. 1; Social Sec. paid on Oct. 3
You can take a look at the SSA’s full payment schedule for 2025 in this online calendar.
How much do retirement recipient get per month?
Retired workers – who make up the vast majority of the U.S.’s Social Security beneficiaries – are paid an average of $2,008.31 per month, the SSA says.
How much do other SSA beneficiaries get per month?
Disabled workers receive an average of $1,582.95 a month, while beneficiaries of survivor pay are issued a monthly average of $1,575.30. SSI beneficiaries receive a monthly average of $717.84.
How does are Social Security payments sent out?
Over 99% of checks are now paid electronically, as the SSA seeks to go fully paperless. As of September 30, indeed, the agency says recipients will “in most cases” no longer be given the option of being mailed a paper check.
The SSA offers its benefits recipients two ways of receiving electronic payments:
Beneficiaries can receive their money by direct deposit, by providing the agency with their bank details. You can supply this information on the “my Social Security” online portal.
Recipients can also have their benefits paid onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal payments made to people who do not have a bank account.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.