Many Americans rely on Social Security benefits every month, and the payment schedule plays a big role in household budgeting. Next week, millions of retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors will be receiving their checks from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Let’s take a closer look at who will be getting paid on September 17 and how the system works.
Who will receive a Social Security check on September 17?
On Wednesday, September 17, the SSA will issue the next round of payments. This batch includes:
Retired workers
People with disabilities (SSDI recipients)
Survivors (family members of eligible workers)
The payment date depends on the beneficiary’s date of birth. If you receive Social Security based on your own work record, your birthday determines when you get paid. If you receive benefits through a spouse or parent’s work record, then their birthday is used.
For September 17, payments go to beneficiaries whose birthdays (or the birthdays of their qualifying family member) fall between the 11th and the 20th of any month.
Who doesn’t get their benefits on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday?
Not everyone follows the Wednesday-based payment schedule. Here are the exceptions:
Long-term beneficiaries: If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, you are paid on the 3rd of each month, regardless of birth date. These recipients already got their September payment last week.
SSI recipients: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are usually sent on the 1st of each month. But since September 1 was a federal holiday this year, payments were made earlier, on Friday, August 29.
Dual beneficiaries: Around 2.5 million people receive both SSI and regular Social Security benefits. Normally, SSI arrives on the 1st and Social Security on the 3rd. However, this month, SSI was paid on August 29 due to the holiday.
How much money do Social Security beneficiaries receive?
The amount varies depending on the type of benefit:
Retired workers: $2,008.31 per month (average)
Disabled workers: $1,582.95 per month (average)
Survivors: $1,575.30 per month (average)
SSI recipients: $717.84 per month (average)
This shows how important these payments are for millions of households, as they often cover essential expenses like rent, food, and healthcare.
How are Social Security payments delivered?
The SSA is moving towards a fully paperless system. Today, less than 1% of beneficiaries still receive paper checks. Instead, there are two main ways to get paid:
Direct deposit: Payments are transferred directly into a bank account. Beneficiaries can set this up through the “my Social Security” portal.
Direct Express debit card: For those without a bank account, funds can be loaded onto a federal payment card that works like a regular debit card.
Social Security payments are a financial lifeline for millions of Americans, helping them manage everyday costs and live with dignity. The payment schedule ensures that everyone knows exactly when to expect their money, whether they are retired workers, people with disabilities, or survivors.
For September 17, those with birthdays from the 11th to the 20th can look forward to their benefits arriving on time. With most payments now processed electronically, beneficiaries can receive their money quickly, securely, and without delays.
