In August 2025, millions of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive two payments instead of one. However, this isn’t a bonus or extra payment; it’s part of the regular payment schedule adjustment made by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Why Are There Two Payments in August?
Normally, Social Security payments are made on a fixed schedule, but when the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA adjusts its payment dates. This year, September 1, 2025, falls on a Monday, which is also Labor Day, a federal holiday. Because the SSA doesn’t process payments on weekends or holidays, they’ve moved the September payment up a few days.
Instead of receiving the September Social Security payment on September 1, beneficiaries will receive it early, on August 29, 2025. This means that people who are due for a September check will receive two payments in August: one for August and one for September.
Social Security Payment Schedule in August
Normal August Payment: Beneficiaries will receive their regular August Social Security or SSI payment on the 1st of August.
September Payment: Beneficiaries will then receive their September Social Security or SSI payment early, on August 29.
The SSA adjusts its payment schedule this way to avoid delays and ensure that payments are made on time, especially since some people depend on this income to cover bills and essential expenses.
What Is the Maximum Social Security Payment?
The amount of Social Security payments varies depending on when a person retires and their work history. According to the SSA:
Full Retirement Age (67 in 2025): The maximum benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age in 2025 is $4,018 per month.
Early Retirement (62 in 2025): If you retire at age 62, the maximum benefit drops to $2,831.
Delayed Retirement (70 in 2025): For those who wait until age 70 to retire, the maximum benefit increases to $5,108 per month.
The actual benefit amount will vary for each individual, depending on their specific work history, age at retirement, and the number of years they paid into the system.
Who Is Eligible for Social Security?
Social Security benefits are available to several groups of people:
Those who retire at 67 (or older, depending on birth year).
People who need to stop working due to disability or blindness.
Surviving spouses or dependent children of deceased workers.
Individuals who face financial difficulty and have trouble covering essential living costs, such as food, housing, and healthcare.
As of June 2025, 7.2 million people receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), while around 68 million people are receiving regular Social Security benefits.
The Social Security Administration’s decision to issue double payments in August 2025—one for August and one for September—is due to the September 1 holiday and the agency’s need to adjust its payment schedule. This ensures that retirees and SSI recipients will not face delays due to the Labor Day holiday. While it’s not a bonus, it’s a helpful adjustment for those who rely on these payments for their monthly expenses.
