In September 2025, Social Security (retirement, disability, survivor) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments follow the standard schedules with one notable adjustment.
This article lays out the September Social Security payments, who gets paid when, what changes in that month, and what to do if your payment is delayed.
When are regular Social Security payments in September 2025?
For most beneficiaries who started receiving Social Security after May 1997, the September Social Security payments are spread across three Wednesdays in the month:
- September 10, 2025 — for those born on the 1st through 10th of any month
- September 17, 2025 — for those born on the 11th through 20th
- September 24, 2025 — for those born on the 21st through 31st
These dates reflect the SSA’s 2025 schedule: second Wednesday, third Wednesday, and fourth Wednesday, respectively.
Who gets paid on September 3, 2025?
Some beneficiaries receive Social Security payments on September 3, 2025—that includes people who began receiving benefits before May 1997, or those who receive both Social Security and SSI.
These “grandfathered” cases maintain the older schedule (payment on the 3rd) rather than the Wednesday cycle.
When is the SSI payment for September 2025?
Typically, SSI payments are issued on the first day of the month.
However, because September 1 is Labor Day (a federal holiday), SSI payments for September are moved earlier.
Thus, the SSI payment for September 2025 was issued on August 29, 2025.
Because of that shift, no SSI payment occurs during September itself, the payment was made in late August.
Does the September Social Security payment include the COLA increase?
Yes. All September 2025 Social Security payments reflect the 2.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that was implemented for benefit payments starting in January 2025.
The COLA is built into every monthly payment throughout the year.
What happens if your September Social Security payment is late?
If your September Social Security payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date:
- First contact your bank or financial institution to see whether there is a delay in posting.
- If no deposit shows up after a few days, reach out to the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- If you receive paper checks (rare), wait at least three business days after the expected mailing before reporting a missing payment.
The SSA also recommends checking your my Social Security account to view your Benefit Payment Schedule and confirm expected dates.
Is September 2025 the last month for paper Social Security checks?
Yes. Beginning September 30, 2025, the SSA will end issuing paper checks.
After that date, all beneficiaries must receive payments via direct deposit or a prepaid debit card (Direct Express).
This change is part of a modernization effort. The SSA has been notifying paper check recipients in advance and offering options to switch to electronic payments.
There are exceptions for individuals who qualify under special circumstances and cannot receive electronic payments, but those are limited.
How to check your September payment schedule yourself?
- Use the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments 2025 from the SSA to see which Wednesday your birth range corresponds to.
- Log in to your my Social Security account to see your personalized schedule for upcoming and past payments.
- Check the SSA’s “Schedule of Social Security Payments” webpage for yearly calendars.
- If your situation is special (pre-1997 claim, dual SSI/SS, etc.), check whether you fall into the “3rd of month” payment group.
