If you’re a recipient of Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you might be wondering when to expect your payment this month. It’s important to stay informed about the official schedule and details, as these are regular monthly benefits—not a new federal stimulus check.
Understanding Your Payments for August 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes billions of dollars in benefits each month to retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors. While you may have heard rumors about a new stimulus check, there has been no official announcement or confirmed plan for another round of federal stimulus payments. The checks you will receive are your scheduled monthly benefits, which have been adjusted for 2025 with a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
The 2025 COLA is a 2.5% increase, which helps to ensure that your benefits keep up with rising costs. This adjustment affects the monthly payment amount for millions of beneficiaries.
Key Payment Dates in August
The payment schedule for Social Security benefits is based on the beneficiary’s birthday. Payments are distributed on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Here is the breakdown for August:
- Second Wednesday (August 13): If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- Third Wednesday (August 20): If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- Fourth Wednesday (August 27): If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of the month.
For those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there’s a unique situation this month. Because the first day of September falls on a Sunday, SSI recipients will receive two payments in August: one on August 1st and a second payment on August 29th for the month of September. This is a common occurrence to ensure payments are not delayed due to weekends or holidays.
Maximum and Average Benefit Amounts
While some people may receive a significant payment, it’s important to understand the criteria. The maximum possible Social Security payment in 2025 is $5,108 per month. However, this is only for a small group of people who meet specific conditions, such as:
- Having worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 35 years.
- Earning the maximum taxable income in most of those years.
- Waiting until age 70 to claim their benefits.
The vast majority of people receive a lower amount. The average monthly benefit for a retired worker in 2025 is approximately $1,907. Your personal benefit amount depends on your individual work history and the age you began receiving benefits.
What If You Have Questions About Your Payment?
If you are unsure of your payment amount or when it will arrive, you can check your details through the “My Social Security” online platform on the official SSA website. You can also contact the Social Security Administration directly if you experience any delays or have questions about your benefits. Keeping your contact and banking information up to date is the best way to ensure a smooth payment process.