To sum it up, if you started receiving Social Security before May 1997 or receive both SSI and retirement benefits, expect your next payment on August 1, 2025—not August 3. Everyone else may have different dates, like August 13, depending on when they were last paid.
Knowing your payment schedule in advance helps you stay on top of your finances and avoid surprises. Keep checking your deposit dates, and apply for other benefits if you need more support.
Highlights:
- August 1 payment is for Social Security recipients who began collecting before May 1997
- SSI recipients also receive their benefits on August 1
- Retirees paid on July 9 will receive their next check on August 13
- Average Social Security check: $2,005; maximum: $5,108
- Contact your bank if your deposit is late, then call the SSA if needed
- Consider applying for SSI and SNAP if you need extra financial help
August 1 Is Key for Early Social Security Recipients
If you’re one of the many retirees who started receiving Social Security before May 1997, there’s an important update you should not miss: your next monthly payment is scheduled for August 1, 2025—a little earlier than usual.
While the Social Security Administration (SSA) has one more payment date left in July, not everyone qualifies for it. If you’ve already received your July benefits on July 3 or between July 9–16, you won’t be receiving another payment until August.
Why August 1 Instead of August 3?
Normally, retirees who began collecting Social Security before May 1997 get their monthly benefits on the 3rd of each month. But in August 2025, August 3 falls on a Sunday. Since the SSA doesn’t issue payments on weekends or federal holidays, your payment will be sent two days early—on Friday, August 1, 2025.
For many seniors who depend on Social Security for day-to-day expenses, this earlier payment date can be a real help. Make sure to mark your calendar so you can plan your monthly budget without confusion.
Do You Also Receive SSI?
If you receive both Social Security retirement benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’re also set to receive your August payment on the 1st, no matter when you started receiving your retirement benefits.
This applies to you whether you began collecting Social Security before May 1997 or after April 30, 1997. So if you’re receiving both SSI and Social Security, you’re part of the group that gets paid earlier in August.
What If You Were Paid on July 9?
If you received your July payment on July 9, 2025, your next payment won’t be on August 1. Instead, your next deposit is scheduled for August 13, 2025. This slight shift may affect your cash flow, so be prepared for the longer wait between payments.
Social Security payment dates are determined based on your birthday and benefit type, which is why dates can vary from one person to another.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount you get each month depends on your work history, age of retirement, and whether you’re receiving benefits as a worker, spouse, or dependent.
- Average retirement benefit: $2,005/month
- Spouses and dependents: Typically over $900/month
- Maximum monthly benefit: $5,108 (if you retired at age 70 after 35 years of high earnings)
If your deposit seems delayed, wait at least three mailing days before reporting it. But before calling the SSA, it’s best to contact your bank or financial institution first to check for any technical issues.
Need More Help? Consider These Programs
If your Social Security check isn’t enough to cover your basic expenses, you may also be eligible for additional assistance through:
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) — for low-income seniors and people with disabilities
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — to help cover grocery costs
These benefits can provide extra monthly support and help stretch your budget further.
