SSA Announces October 2025 Payment Schedule for 70M Americans
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced the payment schedule for October 2025. Nearly 70 million Americans rely on these payments for essential expenses. The SSA urges beneficiaries to sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express® debit card to avoid delays.
Retirees, survivors, and disability beneficiaries will be paid on different Wednesdays throughout October, based on their birth dates. Those who filed for Social Security before May 1997, and those receiving both SSI and Social Security, will be paid on October 3, 2025. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive their payments on October 1, 2025.
The average retirement benefit is around $1,900 per month in 2025. The SSA issues benefits on a rolling schedule, ensuring not everyone is paid on the same day. For those born between the 21st and 31st of a month who do not receive SSI, payments are usually made on the third business day of the month. In October 2026, this would likely be October 5, 2026, but specific dates can vary.
The official announcement for the 2026 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is expected later in October 2025. The SSA encourages beneficiaries to sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express® debit card to ensure timely receipt of their payments. SSI provides additional aid to beneficiaries and disabled individuals with limited income.
