September 17, 2025, is a key date for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits. Whether you receive retirement income, disability support (SSDI), or survivor benefits, this day marks one of the scheduled payment days as per the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) monthly calendar.
Thanks to the 2.5% COLA increase for 2025, recipients will notice slightly higher amounts in their September checks.
Let’s look at who gets paid on this date, how much they can expect, and why this increase matters.
Who Receives Social Security Payments?
The Social Security Administration provides different types of monthly benefits based on age, work history, medical conditions, or family status. Here’s a quick overview:
Retirement Benefits: For workers who have reached retirement age and have contributed to Social Security through payroll taxes.
Disability Benefits (SSDI): For individuals who can no longer work due to a serious physical or mental condition.
Survivor Benefits: Given to spouses, children, or parents of deceased workers who were eligible for Social Security.
In all these cases, the monthly amount depends on factors like your earnings record, when you started receiving benefits, and your age at retirement or disability.
What’s Special About the September 17 Payment?
Social Security checks are not sent out on the same day for everyone. Instead, payments are scheduled based on your date of birth:
| Date of Birth (Day Range) | Payment Date (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | Second Wednesday |
| 11th – 20th | Third Wednesday (Sep 17) |
| 21st – 31st | Fourth Wednesday |
So if your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any month, you will receive your Social Security payment on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
This schedule helps the SSA manage deposits more efficiently and avoid overwhelming banks or financial systems with all payments on one day.
How Much Will You Get on September 17?
In 2025, Social Security beneficiaries received a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This increase is applied to keep up with inflation and rising living costs, offering retirees and other recipients some added financial cushion.
Here’s what you could receive:
Maximum Benefit at Full Retirement Age (67): $4,018 per month
Maximum Benefit if You Retire at Age 70: $5,108 per month
Of course, most people receive less than the maximum. On average:
Average retirement benefit in 2025: Around $1,915 per month (after COLA)
Average SSDI benefit: Roughly $1,537 per month
Your specific amount depends on:
Your lifetime earnings
Your retirement age (the earlier you retire, the lower the benefit)
Any dependent benefits tied to your record
How Does COLA Impact Your Social Security Benefits?
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is calculated annually based on inflation trends. For 2025, the 2.5% increase means that if you were receiving $2,000 per month in 2024, your check would now be $2,050.
Even small increases make a difference, especially for seniors and people on fixed incomes who face rising costs for:
Groceries
Rent or housing
Healthcare and medications
Utilities and transportation
This adjustment is a crucial way Social Security tries to protect the real value of your benefits over time.
When Will the Money Arrive in Your Account?
If you receive direct deposit, the funds will typically be available early in the morning on September 17.
For those still receiving paper checks, delivery may take a few extra days depending on USPS mail speed in your area.
You can always check the status of your payment through your My Social Security account at ssa.gov.
September 17, 2025, is an important payday for Social Security recipients born between the 11th and 20th of any month. Thanks to the 2.5% COLA increase, many will see a little extra in their deposit compared to last year.
Whether you rely on retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, knowing your payment schedule and amount can help you plan better for the month ahead. If you haven’t already, setting up a My Social Security account is a great way to manage your benefits and stay updated on future changes.
