More than 70 million Americans rely on the Social Security Administration (SSA) each month for essential financial support, including retirement benefits, disability assistance, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Due to the large number of recipients, the SSA distributes payments in a staggered schedule rather than sending them all at once.
August 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
Your Social Security payment date is primarily based on your birthdate and benefit type. Here’s how the August 2025 payment timeline breaks down:
- Friday, August 1
- SSI recipients
- Retirees who began receiving benefits before May 1997
- Retirees also receiving SSI
- Wednesday, August 13
- Individuals born between the 1st and 10th of any month
- Wednesday, August 20
- Individuals born between the 11th and 20th
- Wednesday, August 27
- Individuals born between the 21st and 31st
- Friday, August 29
- Early September SSI payments (rescheduled due to Labor Day on September 1)
This adjusted schedule ensures beneficiaries receive their funds on time, even around national holidays.
How Much Can You Expect From Social Security in 2025?
In May 2025, the SSA reported that the average retirement benefit rose to $2,002.39, breaking the $2,000 barrier for the first time. Additionally, the average SSI benefit for over 7.4 million recipients stood at $718.30.
However, actual benefit amounts vary. Social Security payments are calculated based on:
- Your 35 highest-earning years
- Inflation adjustments
- The age you begin collecting benefits
Here are the maximum monthly benefits for 2025:
| Retirement Age | Maximum Monthly Benefit (2025) |
|---|---|
| 62 (Early retirement) | $2,831 |
| 67 (Full retirement age) | $4,018 |
| 70 (Delayed retirement) | $5,108 |
Looking Ahead: COLA Increase for 2026
A Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is expected to boost Social Security benefits by approximately 2.6% in 2026, based on projections from The Senior Citizens League as of June 2025. The official COLA announcement will be made in October 2025.
For millions of Americans, Social Security benefits are a critical part of their financial planning. Understanding when payments will arrive and how much you may receive is key to budgeting effectively.
With a COLA increase on the horizon for 2026 and a clear August 2025 payment schedule already released, beneficiaries can better prepare for the months ahead. Keep an eye on official SSA updates this fall for confirmation of 2026 payment adjustments.
FAQs
What if my payment doesn’t arrive on the scheduled date?
If your Social Security check hasn’t arrived within three business days of the scheduled date, contact the SSA immediately to report the delay.
Can I receive both SSI and Social Security retirement benefits?
Yes, some individuals qualify for both SSI and retirement benefits, particularly those with limited income or resources. Payment dates may differ slightly in these cases.
When will the 2026 COLA be officially announced?
The SSA will announce the 2026 COLA adjustment in October 2025, typically based on third-quarter inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.