Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits as a primary source of monthly income, but not everyone will receive their payment this week.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), only retirees, spouses, and survivors with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month are scheduled for payment on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Everyone else will be paid later in the month.
August 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
| Payment Date | Who Gets Paid | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, August 13 | Birthdays 1st–10th | Regular retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits |
| Wednesday, August 20 | Birthdays 11th–20th | Regular retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits |
| Wednesday, August 27 | Birthdays 21st–31st | Regular retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits |
| Friday, August 29 | SSI Recipients | September SSI payment arrives early due to Labor Day |
Why Some Retirees May See Reduced Payments
Some beneficiaries will notice smaller deposits this month. The SSA has started withholding 50% of benefits for individuals who were overpaid and have not arranged repayment.
An SSA Inspector General report found $13.6 billion in overpayments between 2020 and 2023, often caused by unreported changes in income or medical status.
How Social Security Benefits Are Calculated
Benefit amounts depend on:
- Highest 35 years of earnings (adjusted for inflation)
- Age when benefits are claimed
Maximum monthly benefits in 2025:
- Age 62: $2,831
- Full retirement age (67): $4,018
- Age 70: $5,108
As of June 2025, the average monthly retirement benefit is $2,005.05 (around $24,000 annually before taxes).
COLA Increase Coming in 2026
Benefits rise annually via the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). For 2026, the Senior Citizens League estimates a 2.6% increase, slightly above the 2.5% adjustment applied in January 2025. The official figure will be released in October 2025.
Q: Who gets Social Security on August 13, 2025?
A: Only beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month will be paid on August 13. Others will receive their payment later in the month.
Q: Why is my Social Security check smaller this month?
A: The SSA may withhold part of your payment if you were overpaid and have not set up repayment. Overpayments often happen when income or medical changes are not reported.
Q: When will SSI be paid in September 2025?
A: SSI payments will be issued early on Friday, August 29, due to the Labor Day holiday.
Q: What is the 2026 Social Security COLA increase?
A: The Senior Citizens League projects a 2.6% COLA increase for 2026. The official number will be announced in October 2025.
