Social Security beneficiaries begin receiving their August 2025 payments this week, with schedules varying by birth date. The first group, retirees and disability beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month, will see deposits on Wednesday, August 13.
Those with birthdays from the 11th to 20th will be paid on Wednesday, August 20, while beneficiaries born from the 21st to 31st will receive payments on Wednesday, August 27.
SSI payments follow a different schedule
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients already received their first August payment on Friday, August 1. A second payment will arrive Friday, August 29 to account for the Labor Day holiday, which falls on September 1. That early deposit covers the September benefit, meaning SSI recipients will not receive a payment in September.
The same early-payment pattern will happen in October, December, and again in December 2025 for January 2026 benefits.
Why some checks are smaller this month
The Social Security Administration began withholding 50% of benefits in late July from individuals who were overpaid but have not started repayment. This policy applies even if the overpayment was not the beneficiary’s fault.
According to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General, overpayments totaled $13.6 billion between 2020 and 2023, often due to unreported changes in income or medical status. Beneficiaries can request a waiver if:
- The overpayment was not their fault
- They cannot afford repayment
- Repayment would be unfair
Repayment can be arranged through online bill pay, credit card, or check.
Current benefit amounts
Monthly Social Security benefits vary based on work history, claiming age, and earnings record:
- Age 62: Maximum $2,831 per month
- Full retirement age (67): Maximum $4,018 per month
- Age 70: Maximum $5,108 per month
The average monthly benefit as of June 2025 stands at $2,005.05, or roughly $24,000 annually before taxes.
COLA adjustment coming in 2026
Benefits will rise in January 2026 through the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The Senior Citizens League projects a 2.6% increase, slightly higher than the 2.5% boost applied this year. The official figure will be announced in October 2025.
Key August 2025 Social Security payment dates
Retirement, spousal, survivor benefits:
- August 13 — Birthdays 1st–10th
- August 20 — Birthdays 11th–20th
- August 27 — Birthdays 21st–31st
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
- August 1 — Regular August payment
- August 29 — Early September payment (due to Labor Day)