Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits, but some recipients are bracing for an unusual interruption in their payment schedule. Due to a calendar quirk, Social Security recipients, especially those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), will face a delay in September. While this might be worrying, there are important details to understand about why this is happening and how beneficiaries can prepare.
Why Are There No SSI Payments in September?
For many SSI recipients, payments are typically sent on the first of each month. The August payment will go out on August 1, but due to Labor Day falling on September 1 (the first Monday of the month), the regular payment will be replaced by an unusual distribution on August 29. As a result, there will be no payments in September.
This change is not a loss of benefits but rather a shift in the timing of the payment to account for the federal holiday. Social Security payments are only moved if they fall on a weekend or a federal holiday, which is why the August 29 distribution is necessary to cover for the September 1 holiday.
What About Future Payment Adjustments?
The unusual distribution schedule doesn’t stop in September. Other months will see similar adjustments, such as double payments in October. On October 1 and October 31, SSI recipients will receive their regular payment for October and an early November payment. This pattern is designed to account for the fact that there are no SSI payments in November. Similarly, December will see two payments: one on December 1 and another on December 31, since January 1 falls on New Year’s Day.
Understanding the COLA Adjustment
In addition to these scheduling changes, SSI recipients will see an adjustment to their December payment due to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The COLA for 2026 is estimated to be around 2.7%, though the final figure won’t be confirmed until October. This increase will help recipients keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
How to Supplement Your Social Security
Given the uncertainty surrounding Social Security’s long-term future, it’s wise for individuals to explore additional ways to supplement their retirement income. Shannon Benton, executive director of the Senior Citizens League, suggests starting early with savings and investing in retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs.
401(k) Plans: A 401(k) is a retirement account offered through employers, where contributions are tax-deferred. Many employers also match employee contributions, typically between 2% and 4% of salary. Maxing out your 401(k) contributions, especially if your employer offers a match, can be a valuable strategy for building retirement savings.
What’s Coming Next?
Social Security beneficiaries should stay informed about upcoming changes, particularly the digital adjustments coming in mid-July. These changes will affect online accounts, and failure to act could impact benefits. Additionally, paper changes are also scheduled, and missing deadlines could result in delays or missed payments.
While the calendar quirk in September might cause confusion or concern, it’s important for SSI recipients to understand that these payment shifts are due to holidays and adjustments in the Social Security distribution schedule. The lack of September payments doesn’t mean missing benefits, and double payments in October and December will help recipients manage through those months. Beneficiaries should also keep an eye on COLA adjustments and take steps to supplement their retirement income to stay financially secure.
