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Social Security to send out payments on Wednesday, Oct. 22: here’s who’s getting a check

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Social Security to send out payments on Wednesday

Even as Washington’s political machinery remains jammed in a partial government shutdown, millions of Americans are about to see something that hasn’t changed: their Social Security payment hitting the bank right on time.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed that it will continue disbursing benefits on schedule, despite the ongoing shutdown now stretching into its third week. For retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors depending on this income, that assurance is a lifeline.

SSA Says “No Change in Payment Dates”

Shutdown or not, Social Security is built differently. Its payments are drawn from dedicated trust funds, financed by payroll taxes, rather than the annual spending bills that Congress fights over. That makes it what’s called a mandatory program — one that continues to operate even when the government can’t agree on a budget.

So while hundreds of thousands of federal workers remain on furlough and several agencies have gone dark, the SSA has reiterated that benefits will arrive exactly as planned.

According to the agency:

“The distribution of benefits will continue with no change in payment dates.”

Who’s Getting Paid on October 22?

Next week marks the final round of October 2025 Social Security payments, set to go out on Wednesday, October 22.

That day’s payments will cover beneficiaries — whether retired, receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), or survivor benefits — whose birthdays fall between the 21st and 31st of any month.

SSA’s “Birthday Rule” Payment Schedule

Birthday RangePayment Date (October 2025)Beneficiaries Covered
1st–10thOctober 8Retirement, SSDI, Survivor
11th–20thOctober 15Retirement, SSDI, Survivor
21st–31stOctober 22Retirement, SSDI, Survivor

This rotational system was introduced in 1997 to spread out payment processing and reduce delays.

Who Gets Paid on Different Dates?

Not everyone is on the Wednesday cycle. A few special groups receive their benefits earlier in the month:

1. Long-term beneficiaries (pre-May 1997):
Anyone who began receiving retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits before May 1997 is on the old schedule — meaning their checks go out on the third day of each month, regardless of their birthday.
→ Their October payment went out on Friday, October 3.

2. SSI recipients (Supplemental Security Income):
SSI, which supports low-income seniors and people with disabilities, is paid on the first of every month.
→ October SSI payments were issued on Wednesday, October 1.

3. Dual beneficiaries (SSI + Social Security):
Roughly 2.5 million Americans receive both SSI and a Social Security benefit. They typically get SSI on the 1st, followed by their Social Security on the 3rd.

For an updated reference, the SSA’s 2025 payment calendar is available at www.ssa.gov.

How Much Are Social Security Payments Right Now?

Despite inflation, benefit levels in 2025 remain mostly steady as the next Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announcement is delayed due to the ongoing shutdown (which has paused federal economic data releases).

Here’s where the averages currently stand:

Benefit TypeAverage Monthly PaymentMaximum Possible Payment
Retired Workers$2,008.31$5,108
Disabled Workers (SSDI)$1,582.95
Survivor Benefits$1,575.30
SSI Recipients$717.84

While most retirees receive around $2,000 monthly, those with higher lifetime earnings who delay retirement can earn over $5,000 a month.

Going (Almost) Fully Digital

Paper checks are rapidly disappearing. Over 99% of Social Security payments are now sent electronically — either through direct deposit or the Direct Express debit card.

Since September 30, 2025, the SSA says that new beneficiaries “in most cases are no longer being offered the paper check option.”

You can choose or update your payment method at:

  • Direct Deposit: Add your banking information through your my Social Security account.
  • Direct Express Card: For those without bank accounts, this debit card — managed in partnership with the U.S. Treasury — automatically loads funds each month and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

What the Shutdown Still Disrupts

While payments are safe, many administrative services remain frozen due to furloughs and staffing shortages. This includes:

  • Proof of income letters (often required for loans or housing applications)
  • Medicare card replacements
  • Earnings record corrections (crucial for near-retirees)
  • Appeals for denied benefits

Phone wait times have skyrocketed, and in-person SSA offices are running skeleton crews. But the core payment infrastructure continues to operate, insulated from political gridlock.

What to Do if Your Payment Is Late

If your payment doesn’t arrive on time (which is rare but possible during disruptions), the SSA recommends:

  1. Wait three business days. Banks sometimes post deposits late.
  2. Check your my Social Security portal to verify payment status.
  3. Contact your bank before reaching out to SSA — issues are often on the financial institution’s end.
  4. If still unresolved, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, though expect long hold times during the shutdown.

FAQs:

Are October Social Security payments delayed due to the shutdown?

No. Payments are being made exactly on schedule.

What date will I get paid this month?

If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st, expect your payment on Wednesday, October 22.

Is the COLA for 2026 still coming?

Yes, but it’s delayed until inflation data (CPI) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics can be released after the shutdown.

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