As the world continues to embrace digital platforms, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is also shifting towards a fully electronic payment system. With over 70 million beneficiaries relying on SSA payments every month, this change is expected to make the process faster, safer, and more efficient.
However, not everyone will be affected the same way, and there are some key updates and exceptions you should know about.
How SSA Coordinates Monthly Payments
The SSA is responsible for sending out millions of payments every month. To manage this smoothly and avoid delays or confusion, the SSA follows a fixed schedule based on your birth date or benefit type.
Here’s how the monthly payment schedule is typically structured:
Second Wednesday of the month: For those born between the 1st and 10th
Third Wednesday of the month: For those born between the 11th and 20th
Fourth Wednesday of the month: For those born between the 21st and 31st
This schedule applies to people receiving Retirement and Disability benefits.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries, the schedule is slightly different:
SSI payments are always sent out on the 1st of the month
If you receive both SSI and Retirement benefits, your Retirement benefits are paid on the 3rd of the month
If you began receiving SSA benefits before May 1997, your payment date will also be on the 3rd of the month, regardless of your birth date
End of Physical Checks – But Not for Everyone
The SSA has announced that paper checks will stop being sent out by the end of September 2025. This move is part of a broader effort to fully shift to electronic payments. An executive order issued in March 2025 confirmed this decision, with support from the U.S. Treasury Department.
The benefits of this change include:
Faster payment processing
Reduced risk of lost or stolen checks
Lower administrative costs
However, not all beneficiaries will be forced to switch to digital. Recognising that some people face challenges with digital access, the SSA will allow certain groups to continue receiving physical checks.
These groups include:
People aged 90 years or older
Individuals with mental impairments or disabilities
Those living in remote areas where access to banks or internet is limited
Upcoming Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Announcement
Apart from the shift to digital payments, another big change coming up is the announcement of the new Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
The COLA announcement is scheduled for October 15, 2025
It determines how much your monthly SSA benefits will increase to keep up with inflation
The expected increase for this year is around 2.5% to 2.7%, similar to last year’s
This increase is vital to make sure beneficiaries can maintain their purchasing power as living costs go up.
Advance Payment for SSI in October
Due to November 1 falling on a weekend, SSI beneficiaries will receive their November payments at the end of October. This advance ensures that payments are not delayed due to bank closures over the weekend.
This is a routine practice followed by the SSA whenever the first of the month lands on a weekend or public holiday.
Key Points to Remember
Here’s a quick summary of the major updates SSA beneficiaries need to know:
| Update | Details |
|---|---|
| Digital Payment Transition | Paper checks end by September 2025 |
| Exceptions to Digital Payments | People over 90, mentally disabled, or living remotely |
| Monthly Payment Schedule | Based on birth date and benefit type |
| Next COLA Announcement | Coming on October 15, 2025, with a 2.5%-2.7% expected increase |
| Early SSI Payment | November SSI payments to be given in October end |
The Social Security Administration is taking a big step towards modernising its payment system by going fully digital by the end of September 2025.
While this change aims to improve speed and efficiency, the SSA also understands the needs of vulnerable beneficiaries and will continue providing physical checks to those who need them most.
With the COLA update also around the corner, it’s important for SSA beneficiaries to stay informed so they can plan their finances better. Make sure you know your payment schedule and how upcoming changes could affect your benefits.
