In August 2025, more than 71 million Americans will receive Social Security benefits. Some recipients will receive two payments this month, while there will be no payments in September. The latest monthly schedule from the Social Security Administration (SSA) has highlighted these changes as new federal programs, such as President Trump’s “Trump accounts,” stir debates about the future of Social Security itself.
Social Security Payment Schedule
According to the SSA’s official calendar, monthly retirement benefits will be distributed based on the recipient’s birth date:
- Friday, August 1 – Recipients who started collecting before May 1997
- Wednesday, August 13 – Birthdates from the 1st to the 10th
- Wednesday, August 20 – Birthdates from the 11th to the 20th
- Wednesday, August 27 – Birthdates from the 21st to the 31st
SSI Recipients Get Two Payments in August
Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will get two payments this month:
- Friday, August 1
- Friday, August 29 (advance September payment due to Labor Day on September 1)
There will be no SSI payment in September due to the early distribution.
What is SSI?
SSI is a federal program offering monthly payments to low-income individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. To qualify, adults must typically earn less than $2,019/month, and children with disabilities may also be eligible. You can apply for SSI online, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office.
Upcoming SSI Payment Dates for 2025
The remaining SSI checks in 2025 will be distributed as follows:
- October 1 (Wednesday)
- October 31 (Friday)
- December 1 (Monday)
- December 31 (Wednesday – advance January 2026 payment)
What If Your Payment Is Late?
If you haven’t received your payment on the scheduled date, the SSA advises waiting for three additional mailing days before contacting them. Over 99% of benefits are paid electronically and are delivered on time.
New Policy Spotlight: Trump’s “Backdoor” for Social Security Privatization?
A new policy is sparking political debate. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has referred to the newly launched “Trump accounts” as a “backdoor for privatizing Social Security,” according to a report by POLITICO.
The accounts, created by Trump’s new tax law, are:
- Tax-deferred investment accounts
- Allowing annual contributions of up to $5,000 per child
- Receiving a $1,000 universal federal contribution at birth (2025–2028)
- Designed to grow through investments in U.S. stock-index portfolios
Bessent said the goal is to “make everyone a shareholder in the economy,” adding that long-term growth in these accounts could supplement — or potentially reduce reliance on — traditional Social Security.
However, critics quickly responded. Sen. Chuck Schumer accused the administration of attempting to privatize Social Security through the back door. Rep. Richard Neal echoed that concern, saying the remarks “said the quiet part out loud.”
A Treasury spokesperson responded by saying: “Social Security is a critical safety net for Americans and always will be.”
When Can You Start Receiving Social Security?
You can begin collecting reduced benefits at age 62. However, waiting until your full retirement age (FRA) yields higher monthly payments.
- Born in 1958? FRA = 66 years and 8 months
- Born in 1959? FRA = 66 years and 10 months
- Born in 1960 or later? FRA = 67 years
Social Security Offices in New York
Here are some SSA office locations in New York outside of NYC and Long Island:
- Albany County: 11 A Clinton Ave., Room 430
- Monroe County: 200 E. Main St., Rochester | 4050 W. Ridge Rd., Greece
- Onondaga County: 100 S. Clinton St., Syracuse
- Erie County: 478 Main St., Buffalo | 1900 Ridge Rd., West Seneca
- Orange County: 85 Crystal Run Rd., Middletown
- Dutchess County: 4 Academy St., Poughkeepsie
- Broome County: 2 Court St., Binghamton
