Important 2025 Social Security Dates You MUST Know—Don’t Miss Your Payment!

If you’re relying on Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you probably know how important it is to keep track of when your payments are coming. After all, it’s your lifeline for managing monthly bills, right? So, let’s make sure you know exactly when your check will arrive in 2025.

Here’s everything you need to know about Social Security payments in 2025 and how to make sure you get your money on time.

When Can You Expect Your Payment? Here’s the Schedule for 2025

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a pretty straightforward payment schedule, but it does depend on when you first started getting your Social Security benefits. Don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you.

If You Get Social Security (Retirement, Disability Benefits, etc.)

• Started receiving benefits before May 1997? Your payment will come on the 3rd of each month. No guessing, just the same day every month. Easy!

• Started receiving benefits after May 1997? Your payment depends on your birthday. Here’s how it works:

  • 1st–10th of the month: You’ll get your payment on the 2nd Wednesday.

  • 11th–20th of the month: You’ll get it on the 3rd Wednesday.

  • 21st–31st of the month: You’ll get it on the 4th Wednesday.

For example:

• If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th, you’ll see your payment on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

• If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th, it’ll come on the 3rd Wednesday.

• If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st, you’ll get it on the 4th Wednesday.

Just find your birthday range, and you’ll know exactly when to expect your check each month.

If You Get SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

SSI payments are a bit simpler—they’re usually paid on the 1st of each month. But if the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, you’ll get your payment earlier. So, if the 1st is on a Sunday, for example, you’ll receive your payment the Friday before.

For example:

• May 1st, 2025 falls on a Thursday, so you’ll get your payment on May 1st.

• June 1st, 2025 falls on a Sunday, so your payment will come a bit earlier—on Friday, May 30th.

That’s nice, right? No waiting around for the weekend or holiday to be over.

What’s New in 2025? The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)

Every year, the SSA looks at inflation and adjusts your Social Security and SSI payments to help you keep up with rising costs. In 2025, there’s a 2.5% increase in payments.

For many, that means a little extra cash each month. For example, the average Social Security retirement benefit is now about $1,976 a month, thanks to this increase. It’s not a huge bump, but it does help with everyday expenses like food, gas, and medical bills.

How to Make Sure Your Payment Arrives on Time: Direct Deposit

One of the easiest ways to make sure you get your payment on time is by signing up for direct deposit. That way, your check will automatically be sent to your bank account on your payment day—no waiting for the mailman!

Payments will usually hit your bank account by 9 a.m. local time on the day they’re scheduled. Plus, you won’t have to worry about lost or delayed checks.

You can sign up for direct deposit through your my Social Security account online. It’s simple, and it makes your life a lot easier.

Still Getting a Paper Check?

If you’re still receiving your payment via paper check, just know that it might take a few extra days for it to show up. If your check doesn’t arrive on time, give it a little more time before reaching out. But if it’s been longer than usual, don’t hesitate to contact the SSA.

Key Dates for 2025

• SSI payments: Paid on the 1st of each month, with adjustments if it’s a weekend or holiday.

• Social Security payments: Paid on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday of each month, depending on your birthday.

• COLA increase: A 2.5% increase in 2025 to help you keep up with rising prices.