The next installment of Social Security benefits will be paid in August—but when will you get yours?
Why It Matters
Over 70 million Americans rely on the Social Security Administration (SSA) for monthly retirement benefits and financial assistance for those with disabilities. But because of the sheer volume of recipients, payments aren’t issued all at once.
When Are Social Security Payments Coming in August 2025?
Most recipients, particularly retirees, are paid according to their date of birth. There are some exceptions, including a separate payment date for individuals who started receiving retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits before May 1997, or who also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a federal assistance program offering monthly payments to people with disabilities or blindness, and to adults 65 and older who meet financial criteria.
Checks will be issued on the following dates in August:
- Friday, August 1: SSI payments and retirement benefits for those who have been collecting checks since before May 1997 and retirees who also collect SSI benefits.
- Wednesday, August 13: Retirement, spousal and survivor benefits for those born between the 1st and 10th of any calendar month
- Wednesday, August 20: Benefits for those born between the 11th and 20th
- Wednesday, August 27: Benefits for those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st
- Friday, August 29: SSI payments. This payment would usually come at the first of the month for September. However, due to September 1 falling on Labor Day, a national holiday, the payment will be made slightly earlier.
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How Much Social Security Can I Get?
In May 2025, the SSA reported that the average retirement benefit reached $2,002.39—a milestone as it surpassed $2,000 for the first time. Meanwhile, SSI recipients, totaling 7.4 million people, received an average of $718.30.
It’s important to note that individual benefit amounts differ. Retirement payments are based on a person’s 35 highest-earning years, adjusted to account for inflation, as well as the age at which you begin claiming benefits.
In 2025, someone retiring at age 67—the full retirement age—can receive up to a maximum of $4,018 each month. Choosing to retire early at 62 lowers the top rate to $2,831, while waiting until age 70 increases the highest possible benefit to $5,108.
There is also a projected boost in Social Security benefits for 2026, with the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) expected to raise benefits by approximately 2.6 percent, according to the most recent June estimate by The Senior Citizens League.
The official announcement on how much benefits will rise by for 2026 will be made in October 2025.