Millions of Americans rely on Social Security as a critical source of monthly income, but not all beneficiaries will receive their payments this week. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), only those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month are scheduled to receive their benefits on Wednesday, August 13. Beneficiaries born on other dates will get their payments later in the month, as the SSA staggers payments based on birth dates.
August 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
The SSA has a structured payment schedule for retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits. Here’s when you can expect your payment:
- August 13 – Birthdays from the 1st to the 10th
- August 20 – Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th
- August 27 – Birthdays from the 21st to the 31st
It’s important to note that recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follow a separate calendar. In September, their SSI payment will be issued early, on Friday, August 29, due to the Labor Day holiday.
Why Some Checks May Be Reduced
While many retirees can expect their usual payments, some may see a reduction in their benefits this month. The SSA has begun withholding 50 percent of benefits from individuals who were overpaid and have not yet started repaying the amount.
A recent report from the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General revealed that $13.6 billion in overpayments occurred between 2020 and 2023. These overpayments typically happen when beneficiaries fail to report changes in income or medical conditions that affect their eligibility. As a result, some individuals may see a smaller deposit as they work to repay the overpaid amounts.
How Social Security Benefits Are Calculated
The SSA determines retirement benefits based on a worker’s highest 35 years of earnings, adjusted for inflation. The age at which an individual claims their benefits also has a significant impact on the monthly payment they receive. Here’s the breakdown of maximum benefits depending on the age at which benefits are claimed:
- Age 62: Maximum $2,831 per month
- Full retirement age (67): Maximum $4,018 per month
- Age 70: Maximum $5,108 per month
As of June 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit is $2,005.05, which amounts to approximately $24,000 per year before taxes. This amount is crucial for many retirees, as it provides a steady income throughout their retirement years.
Benefits Set to Rise in 2026
Social Security payments are adjusted annually through the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which helps beneficiaries keep up with inflation. For 2026, the Senior Citizens League has projected a 2.6 percent increase in benefits, slightly higher than the 2.5 percent adjustment that was applied in January 2025. The official COLA figure for 2026 will be announced in October 2025, providing further clarity on the adjustment retirees can expect in the coming year.
Tips for Retirees
For now, retirees are advised to check their payment dates and keep an eye out for any notices from the SSA, especially if overpayment recovery may impact their monthly amount. Being proactive about staying informed can help avoid any surprises and ensure that beneficiaries manage their finances effectively during this time of potential reductions or adjustments.
