Your Guide to September's Social Security Payments and a Major Change Ahead
September marks the final month of paper checks — here’s what to expect as Social Security goes fully digital in October.
As we move through September, many are looking for their monthly Social Security payments. This month is particularly important, not just for the regular payment schedule, but also because it marks a significant shift in how benefits will be delivered starting in October. Here’s everything you need to know about this month's payments and the upcoming transition.
The End of an Era: Paper Checks Are Being Phased Out
A major change is on the horizon for all Social Security recipients. September 2025 is the last month that the federal government will issue paper checks for these benefits. This change comes after an executive order was signed, setting a compliance deadline of September 30.
Starting in October, all payments will be made electronically. To receive your benefits, you will need to either set up direct deposit to your bank account or use a Direct Express card. This move is designed to make the payment process more efficient and secure. If you haven't already switched to an electronic method, now is the time to do so.
Who Gets Paid This Week?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues payments on a schedule based on the recipient's birth date. For September, the final wave of payments is scheduled to go out this week.
If your birthday falls between the 21st and the 31st of any month, you can expect your payment to be sent on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Understanding the 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
The SSA uses a consistent schedule to distribute benefits to retirees and other recipients. For those who started receiving benefits after May 1997, payments are typically sent out on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month.
Here is the standard monthly payment schedule:
Second Wednesday: For recipients with birthdays on the 1st through the 10th of the month.
Third Wednesday: For recipients with birthdays on the 11th through the 20th of the month.
Fourth Wednesday: For recipients with birthdays on the 21st through the 31st of the month.
For individuals who began receiving Social Security before May 1997, payments are usually made on the third day of each month.
A Note on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follow a different schedule. SSI payments are generally sent on the first day of the month. However, if the first falls on a weekend or a holiday, the payment is issued on the preceding business day.
For example, the September 1 SSI payment was sent on Friday, August 29, because September 1 was Labor Day.
Here is a look at the upcoming SSI payment dates for the rest of 2025 and early 2026:
October 2025: Wednesday, Oct. 1
November 2025: Friday, Oct. 31
December 2025: Monday, Dec. 1
January 2026: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
February 2026: Friday, Jan. 30
March 2026: Friday, Feb. 27
Keeping track of these dates can help you plan your finances effectively. Be sure to prepare for the switch to electronic payments if you are still receiving paper checks.
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