For millions of retirees in the United States, September 2025 marks an important month for Social Security. The payment distribution follows a well-established pattern, with specific dates assigned based on recipients’ birth dates.
For many, the second Wednesday of the month—September 10, 2025—will be the key day they receive their payments. This date applies to individuals whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of any month.
For these recipients, the September payment will reflect their years of contributions, along with the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that boosted average retiree benefits to approximately $1,976 per month in 2025.
Why Do Social Security Payments Vary?
While the average payment in 2025 is about $1,976, individual benefits can vary significantly. For example:
Early filers: If someone began claiming Social Security at age 62, their maximum monthly benefit is about $2,831.
Full retirement age filers: Individuals who began claiming benefits at their full retirement age (currently 66 or 67, depending on their birth year) may receive up to $4,018 per month.
Delayed filers: Those who waited until age 70 to file for Social Security can receive the highest benefit amount, which in 2025 is $5,108 a month.
This variance explains why some retirees opt not to file for Social Security immediately, despite the potential loss of income in the early years of retirement. Waiting a few extra years can result in a significantly higher monthly payment.
Breakdown of Social Security Payment Dates for September 2025
In September 2025, Social Security payments will follow a schedule based on birth dates. Here’s how the calendar shakes out:
First Wednesday (September 3): This date is reserved for those who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997. Their benefits are not tied to their birth date and are paid on a fixed schedule.
Second Wednesday (September 10): This is the payment date for those with birthdays falling between the 1st and 10th of any month.
Third Wednesday (September 17): Recipients with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month will receive their payment on this date.
Fourth Wednesday (September 24): Those whose birthdays fall between the 21st and the 31st of any month will receive their payment on the last Wednesday of September.
What to Do If Your Social Security Payment Is Delayed
If your Social Security check is late, it’s important to stay calm and follow a few simple steps before jumping to conclusions:
- Check the Payment Schedule: The first thing you should do is double-check the official Social Security payment schedule. Sometimes a federal holiday or banking issue can delay the deposit.
- Wait for Three Full Business Days: Before declaring the payment missing, give it three full business days. In many cases, these delays resolve themselves during this period.
- Contact the Social Security Administration: If your payment has not arrived after waiting the recommended time, it’s time to take action. Call the Social Security Administration’s national toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for direct assistance. Be prepared for a potentially long hold time.
- Use the My Social Security Portal: Log into your personalized My Social Security online portal to check for any missing payment notices or required reviews. The portal often provides helpful insights into the status of your payment.
- Consider Direct Deposit: If you still receive a paper check via mail, consider switching to direct deposit. Direct deposit is more secure, reliable, and eliminates the risk of checks being lost or delayed in the mail.
