The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes millions of payments each month to approximately 70 million beneficiaries.
These payments follow a set schedule, but the exact date you receive your payment can vary depending on factors such as your birthdate, the SSA fund you’re receiving payments from, and when you chose to start claiming your benefits. Let’s take a closer look at September’s payment schedule.
September Payments Already Started
Social Security benefits for September have already started being distributed, with several payment dates still coming up. The SSA generally follows a strict payment schedule to ensure that beneficiaries can reliably plan their monthly finances.
Payments are staggered based on your specific eligibility criteria, making it easier for both beneficiaries and the administration to stay organized.
While most beneficiaries receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments typically get their payments on the first of the month, this year, the first fell on Labor Day, a national holiday.
As a result, SSI payments for September were advanced to August 29. If the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are also adjusted accordingly.
Remaining September Payment Dates
For those who receive Social Security retirement or Disability benefits, there are still four upcoming payment dates in September. Here’s a breakdown:
September 3: Payments for those who receive both SSI and another type of SSA benefit, as well as individuals who claimed benefits before May 1997.
September 10: Payments for beneficiaries with a birthdate between the 1st and the 10th of any given month.
September 17: Payments for beneficiaries with a birthdate between the 11th and the 20th of any given month.
September 24: Payments for beneficiaries with a birthdate between the 21st and the 31st of any given month.
October and November Payment Schedule
Looking ahead, October SSI benefits will be paid on the usual date — the first of the month. However, November benefits will be advanced to October 31 because November 1 falls on a Saturday.
Eligibility for SSA Benefits
Eligibility for Social Security benefits varies depending on the specific type of payment you’re receiving. Most beneficiaries are receiving retirement benefits, with the average monthly payout around $2,000.
The maximum monthly benefit for retirement can be as high as $5,102, though to qualify for this amount, certain criteria must be met.
To qualify for retirement benefits, you must have earned at least 40 working credits from the SSA (equivalent to 10 years of work), and you must be at least 62 years old to begin claiming benefits.
For SSI and Disability benefits, eligibility is based on your income level. SSI is reserved for individuals with little to no income or resources, while Disability benefits are for those unable to work due to a disability. The amount you receive from these funds varies based on how far below the income threshold you are.
