Goodbye to Social Security Payments in September – New Dates Released for October

As September comes to a close, many Social Security recipients have already received their payments for the month. The last beneficiaries to be paid were those born between the 21st and 31st, who received their checks on Wednesday, September 25th.

Looking ahead, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced its October payment schedule, which will include the standard monthly disbursements and a new round of payments starting on Tuesday, October 1st.

This article breaks down the upcoming Social Security payments, explains the changes to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disbursements, and provides information on how the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) affects these benefits.

Payment Schedule

The SSA follows an annual payment schedule to manage the disbursement of over 70 million Social Security checks each month. This includes payments for retirement, survivor, and disability insurance (RSDI), as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSI

October’s payment schedule will differ slightly from September’s. In September, because the 1st fell on a weekend, SSI recipients received their payments early, on Friday, August 30th. However, in October, the first of the month falls on a Tuesday, so SSI payments will be made on that day as scheduled.

RSDI

For RSDI beneficiaries, the schedule depends on when they applied for benefits. Those who applied before May 1997 will receive their payments on Thursday, October 3rd, while those who applied after May 1997 will be paid according to the SSA’s tiered schedule based on birth dates:

Social Security Payment	Payment Date	Confirmed Payment Date
SSI beneficiaries	October 1st	Tuesday
RSDI claimants before May 1997	October 3rd	Thursday
RSDI claimants after May 1997	2nd Wednesday	October 9th
	3rd Wednesday	October 16th
	4th Wednesday	October 23rd

For beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th, payments will be made on the second Wednesday of the month (October 9th). Those born between the 11th and 20th will receive their benefits on the third Wednesday (October 16th), and those born between the 21st and 31st will receive their payments on the fourth Wednesday (October 23rd).

Impacts

The 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is expected to result in a 3.2% increase for Social Security beneficiaries. This adjustment is meant to account for inflation and ensure that recipients maintain their purchasing power as living costs rise. Although the official COLA for 2025 has yet to be finalized, this expected increase will soon be factored into monthly payments.

For October 2024, beneficiaries will already be receiving this adjusted amount in their checks. This means recipients of retirement, survivor, and disability benefits will see a modest increase in their payments compared to earlier this year.

Amount

The amount each beneficiary receives depends on several factors, including their work history, contributions to Social Security taxes, and the type of benefits they qualify for. Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly payments for October 2024:

Social Security Payments	Retirement Benefits	Survivor Benefits	Disability Benefits	SSI Benefits
On average	$1,900	$1,505	$1,537	$698
Age 62:	$2,710	Individual: $1,773	Blind recipients: $2,590	Individuals: $943
Age 67:	$3,822	2 Children: $3,653	Maximum payment: $3,822	Couples: $1,415
Age 70:	$4,873			Essential person: $472

SSI

For SSI beneficiaries, the payment amounts will depend on their financial situation, income, and household size. On average, individuals will receive $943 per month, while couples can receive up to $1,415. An “essential person” in the household, who assists an SSI recipient, may receive $472.

RSDI

For retirees, the amount of benefits depends on the age at which they claimed their Social Security. Those who retire early at age 62 can expect an average of $2,710 per month, while those who wait until the full retirement age of 67 will receive around $3,822. For those who wait until age 70, the maximum monthly payment can reach up to $4,873.

Survivor benefits will vary based on the individual’s circumstances. For instance, the average survivor benefit for two children is $3,653.

Disability benefits, which vary depending on the severity of the disability and work history, average $1,537 per month. Blind recipients receive more, with a maximum benefit of $2,590.

Payments

The SSA calculates benefits based on several factors, including work history, Social Security taxes paid, and the age at which a recipient begins claiming benefits. Retirement benefits are based on an individual’s average income over the highest-earning 35 years of their career, as well as the number of credits earned during this time.

Disability payments, on the other hand, consider the type and severity of the disability, as well as the number of years a beneficiary has contributed to Social Security. SSI payments are determined by the recipient’s monthly income and available resources.

Tracking Your Payments

To track your Social Security payments or review your benefits, it’s helpful to log into your My Social Security Account online. This portal allows you to view your financial statements, check payment dates, and access other Social Security-related services.

For those curious about how the 2025 COLA increase will affect their future payments, the SSA will notify all beneficiaries once the adjustment is officially announced. Keep an eye out for updates and take advantage of online resources to stay informed about your benefits.

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