Today’s the day many Social Security beneficiaries have been waiting for. If your birthday falls toward the end of the month, your benefits might just be hitting your bank account today. And with stimulus-like amounts going out — including double payments for some — it’s worth knowing exactly what to expect.
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Schedule
If you’re wondering whether you’re getting a Social Security payment today, it all comes down to your birth date. The Social Security Administration (SSA) organizes retirement benefit payments across three different Wednesdays each month, based on your date of birth.
Here’s how the payment calendar looks:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date in August |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | Wednesday, August 13 |
| 11th–20th | Wednesday, August 20 |
| 21st–31st | Wednesday, August 27 |
So, if your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, today — August 27 — is your payday.
Double
In addition to regular retirement and disability payments, some Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will see two deposits in August. Why? Because the standard SSI payment for September lands on Labor Day this year. Since the SSA doesn’t send payments on holidays, they’ll issue the September amount early — on Thursday, August 29.
This creates a rare “double payment” month, but it’s not a bonus. It’s just an early release of your next month’s funds.
Amounts
The SSA provides varying monthly benefits depending on eligibility and income levels. In 2025, the maximum federal amounts are set as follows:
| Recipient Type | Max Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Eligible individual | $967 |
| Eligible couple | $1,450 |
| Essential person (in your care) | $484 |
For retirees, the maximum Social Security retirement benefit is $5,108, but only a small group qualifies for this. To receive the max, you would need to:
- Work for at least 35 years
- Earn the maximum taxable income during those years
- Delay collecting benefits until age 70
Most people receive far less than the max, with average payments closer to $1,900–$2,000.
Eligibility
Social Security eligibility is determined based on your earnings record and the number of work credits you’ve earned. Generally, you need 40 credits (roughly 10 years of work) to qualify for retirement benefits.
For SSI, the criteria are stricter. It’s reserved for low-income individuals with limited resources. Spousal income and living arrangements can also affect eligibility and payment amounts.
The SSA adjusts benefits yearly based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which helps benefits keep pace with inflation. The 2025 COLA increase will be applied starting in January and is calculated based on inflation rates from the third quarter of 2024.
Over Payment
One issue gaining attention is SSA overpayments. According to a 2025 report by the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General, the agency overpaid $13.6 billion from 2020 to 2023. If you’re one of the people affected, the SSA might begin withholding 50% of your future checks — unless you dispute the claim or request a waiver.
So, it’s crucial to keep your contact info and direct deposit details up-to-date to avoid any delays or issues. If your payment doesn’t arrive today, the SSA advises waiting three days before contacting them.
