If you’re one of the millions of Americans receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you’ll want to stay on top of when your payment is scheduled to arrive this month. In July 2025, the usual payment dates for Social Security and SSI have some slight adjustments. Let’s break it down.
When Do Payments Go Out This Month?
July 3rd: The first payment date for this month, Social Security retirement recipients who started getting their benefits before May 1997, received their payments. These payments typically land on the 3rd of the month.
July 9th: This date is for individuals born between the 1st and 10th of any month. About 70 million Americans will receive their payments on this day. If your birthday falls within this group, you can expect your funds soon.
July 16th: Payments for individuals born between the 11th and 20th will arrive. If you’re in this group, make sure to check your bank account or statement by mid-July.
July 23rd: The final payment date for those born between the 21st and 31st of the month will be on the 23rd.
The Impact of the COLA Increase
Many Social Security recipients are noticing a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase that kicked in earlier this year. While $50 extra might not seem like much, every bit helps as the cost of living, especially groceries, continues to rise.
The average monthly payment is now about $1,976, with some people seeing as much as $5,108—though that’s the maximum payment.
The Issue of Overpayments and Check Withholding
Something new this month is the Social Security Administration’s ability to take back part of a person’s payment if they were overpaid in the past. For some, this could mean up to half of their check being withheld, or in extreme cases, the entire check.
This has caused concern among recipients, with one senior center director noting, “It’s putting folks between a rock and a hard place.” However, there are hardship exceptions, but you must apply to qualify, and the process can be tricky.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
Sometimes, even the best-laid plans don’t go smoothly, and you may find yourself waiting longer than expected for your payment. If you don’t see your payment in your account, the Social Security Administration recommends waiting three full business days before reaching out.
Step 1: Log into your mySocialSecurity account to ensure that all your information is correct.
Step 2: Call your bank. Sometimes, payments may be delayed on their end.
Step 3: If the bank confirms there’s no payment, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Keep in mind that wait times can be long, especially around payment time.
Quick Recap for July
Here’s a quick summary of when to expect your payment in July:
July 3rd: Payments for Social Security recipients who started before May 1997 and SSI recipients.
July 9th: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th.
July 16th: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th.
July 23rd: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st.
Looking Ahead to August and September
In August, SSI recipients will get two payments: one on the 1st and the next on the 29th.
In September, there will be no payment on the 1st since it falls on a Sunday. So, expect payments later in the month.
For those waiting on their Social Security or SSI payments, it’s important to keep track of when you’ll be receiving your check. The COLA increase is helpful for many, though some may face challenges if their payments are reduced due to previous overpayments.
If your payment is delayed, don’t panic—use the steps above to track it down, and if necessary, reach out to the SSA for assistance.
