Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits are set to receive two payments in October, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The unusual schedule is due to the calendar: when the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA issues payments on the last business day of the prior month. This means recipients will receive October’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit on October 1 and November’s benefit early on October 31.
“This does not mean you are receiving a duplicate payment,” the agency explained in a statement. “We do this to ensure you are not put at a financial disadvantage by having to wait past the first of the month.”
The SSA advises beneficiaries to wait at least three business days before contacting the agency if their payment does not arrive on time.
Remaining SSI payment schedule for 2025:
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October 1: October benefit
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October 31: November benefit
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December 1: December benefit
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December 31: January 2026 benefit
In addition, October is when beneficiaries will learn how much their checks will increase in 2026. The SSA sets its annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) each fall to account for rising expenses such as food, housing, and medical costs. The Senior Citizens League has forecasted a 2.7% increase.
Meanwhile, speculation continues over possible long-term reforms to the program. Last week, Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano suggested “everything’s being considered” when asked about raising the retirement age from 67. He later clarified that the Trump administration is not pursuing such a change, insisting: “President Trump and I will always protect, and never cut, Social Security.”
Experts warn that the program’s trust funds face insolvency by 2034, intensifying debate over how to preserve benefits for future generations.
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