Over 70 million Americans depend on Social Security benefits for financial support each month, including retirement, spousal, survivor, and disability benefits.
Because the Social Security Administration (SSA) manages such a massive program, payments are staggered throughout the month instead of being issued all at once.
Knowing exactly when your October 2025 Social Security checks are coming can help you plan your budget, pay bills on time, and avoid confusion.
Here’s a full breakdown of October’s payment dates, who gets paid when, and what to expect about the upcoming COLA increase for 2026.
October 2025 Social Security Payment Dates
Social Security benefits are distributed based on when your birthday falls within the month, while Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follows a different schedule.
Those who started receiving Social Security before May 1997 or who also get SSI are paid on a separate early date.
October 2025 Payment Schedule:
| Date | Payment Type | Who Gets Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Oct 1 | SSI | All SSI recipients |
| Friday, Oct 3 | Social Security + SSI | Beneficiaries who receive both SSI and Social Security |
| Wednesday, Oct 8 | Retirement/Spousal/Survivor | Birthdays on the 1st–10th |
| Wednesday, Oct 15 | Retirement/Spousal/Survivor | Birthdays on the 11th–20th |
| Wednesday, Oct 22 | Retirement/Spousal/Survivor | Birthdays on the 21st–31st |
Why Some SSI Recipients Get Two Payments in October
In October 2025, SSI recipients will receive two payments — one on October 1 and another at the end of the month as an early November payment.
This happens because November 1, 2025, falls on a Saturday. The SSA issues SSI benefits on the last business day before the 1st when the regular payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday.
Important: This early November payment is not an extra benefit—it just arrives early. You will not receive another SSI payment in November until December 1.
Tips if Your Check Is Late
The SSA recommends waiting at least three business days after the expected date before contacting them about a missing payment.
Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so build in extra time if your payment date falls near one.
Helpful steps:
- Check your bank account if using direct deposit.
- Wait three business days before calling SSA.
- Update your mailing address or bank info promptly to avoid delays.
2026 COLA Announcement Expected in October
Alongside October payments, beneficiaries will also learn about the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
- The SSA uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from July through September 2025 to set the new COLA.
- This adjustment helps benefits keep pace with rising costs for housing, food, and healthcare.
- The Senior Citizens League currently projects a 2.7% increase for 2026, though the official rate will be announced in mid-October 2025.
Any COLA increase will take effect starting with January 2026 payments and apply to all SSA programs, including retirement, spousal, survivor, and SSI.
If you rely on Social Security or SSI, knowing the October 2025 payment schedule is key for budgeting. Most retirees are paid on Oct 8, 15, or 22, depending on their birth date, while SSI recipients will get payments on Oct 1 and again on Oct 31 as an early November deposit.
With the 2026 COLA announcement also arriving in October, this is a crucial month for planning your finances. Mark your calendar, set up direct deposit for faster payments, and keep your details updated with the SSA to ensure smooth benefit delivery.
FAQs
When will I get my October 2025 Social Security check?
If your birthday falls 1st–10th, you get paid Oct 8; 11th–20th, on Oct 15; 21st–31st, on Oct 22. SSI pays on Oct 1.
Why are SSI recipients getting two payments in October 2025?
Because Nov 1 falls on a Saturday, the November SSI payment will be sent early on Oct 31. It’s not an extra payment.
When will we know the 2026 COLA?
The SSA will announce the 2026 COLA in mid-October 2025. Any increase will start in January 2026 checks.