by WASHINGTON, D.C. – Millions of Americans who depend on Social Security will soon receive their September payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed the payment schedule, with dates varying based on eligibility categories and birth dates.
Social Security in September
Social Security provides monthly income to more than 70 million Americans, including retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors. To manage the massive program, payments are not issued on the same day for everyone. Instead, they follow a staggered schedule that helps ensure efficiency and reduces delays.
September 2025 Payment Calendar
Recipients can expect their benefits on the following dates:
- Friday, August 29 – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Normally paid on the first of the month, this payment will arrive earlier because September 1 falls on Labor Day, a federal holiday.
- Wednesday, September 3 – Retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits for individuals who also receive SSI.
- Wednesday, September 10 – Benefits for those with birthdays from the 1st through the 10th.
- Wednesday, September 17 – Benefits for those with birthdays from the 11th through the 20th.
- Wednesday, September 24 – Benefits for those with birthdays from the 21st through the 31st.
This schedule ensures that payments are distributed smoothly across the month rather than all at once.
How Much Can Beneficiaries Expect?
As of May 2025, the average retirement benefit rose to $2,002.39, crossing the $2,000 mark for the first time. SSI benefits, which go to about 7.4 million recipients, average $718.30 per month.
Actual benefit amounts vary based on a person’s work history, highest earning years, and the age at which they claim benefits. In 2025, the maximum monthly retirement payment is:
- $2,831 if claimed early at age 62
- $4,018 at full retirement age (67)
- $5,108 if delayed until age 70
Recent Updates on Social Security
The Social Security program marked its 90th anniversary on August 14, 2025, with the SSA highlighting improvements in service. Its “digital-first” strategy has expanded 24/7 access to online accounts, cut website downtime, and reduced average phone wait times from 30 minutes in 2024 to under 10 minutes in 2025. Field office wait times are also down by 30 percent, and nearly 90 percent of calls are resolved through self-service or callbacks.
However, the program has also faced criticism. Earlier this year, the SSA announced staff reductions from 57,000 to 50,000, and critics have expressed concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency’s growing involvement in agency operations. Advocacy groups worry these changes could affect privacy and the quality of service for beneficiaries.
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