If you’re on Social Security, pay attention: the final benefit payment for September 2025 will be sent next week to those whose birthdays fall between the 21st and 31st of any month.
Payments are being delivered either via direct deposit or, for those still using paper checks, by traditional mail. Delays are possible for mailed payments.
Here’s every key detail about when you’ll get yours, how much it might be, and what determines your payment date.
What’s the Social Security Payment Schedule for September 2025
Here’s the full schedule for September Social Security disbursements:
| Payment Date | Who Gets Paid |
|---|---|
| September 3 | Benefits for those who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 |
| September 10 | Those born between 1st–10th of any month |
| September 17 | Those born between 11th–20th of any month |
| September 24 | Those born between 21st–31st of any month (final round) |
So the final round — the one scheduled for September 24, 2025 — is for beneficiaries born from the 21st through the end of the month. If that’s your birthday window, that’s when you’ll receive this month’s Social Security benefit.
How Payments Are Delivered
- Direct deposit: Most people have chosen this option. Funds go straight into your bank account on the appointed date.
- Paper checks: If you still receive Social Security by check, delivery via postal mail may take additional business days beyond the scheduled date.
If you’re due for the 24th and you haven’t seen the payment via direct deposit, or the check hasn’t arrived a few days after, it’s good to check with the SSA and your bank.
COLA, Averages, and Maximums
| Metric | Value for 2025 |
|---|---|
| Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) | 2.5% increase applied at start of 2025 |
| Maximum Social Security Benefit (at age 70) | $5,108 per month (for those who delay until age 70 and qualify) |
| Average Monthly Benefit for Retirees | About $1,900-$2,000 per month (varies by work history & age) |
Key takeaways: Even though the maximum benefit is $5,108, very few people receive that much because to get it you must have a very high earnings history and wait until age 70 to begin claiming.
Most people receive much less, depending on when they began claiming and how much they earned over their working years.
How Your Social Security Benefit Is Calculated
- Based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) — essentially, your best 35 years of earnings adjusted for inflation.
- From AIME, SSA computes your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is what you would receive if you claim at your Full Retirement Age (FRA).
- If you begin benefits before FRA (which depends on your birth year, often age 67 for many born in or after 1960), your benefit is reduced. Claiming at age 62 typically results in a permanent reduction.
- If you delay past FRA, up to age 70, you earn “delayed retirement credits,” increasing your monthly benefit.
What to Expect If You’re in the Final Round
If your birthday falls between 21–31 of any month:
- Your September 2025 payment will arrive on September 24, 2025 (if direct deposit).
- If expecting a paper check, allow a few extra business days for mailing delays.
- Payment should reflect the 2.5% COLA increase already in effect.
Common Issues & Things to Watch Out For
- If your payment is delayed beyond the scheduled date and extra grace period (for checks), verify that the SSA has your correct address or that your bank info for direct deposit is up to date.
- Remember: the payment date depends entirely on your date of birth (or the primary beneficiary’s birthday in some cases).
- Payments do not drop on weekends or federal holidays; if that date is a non-business day, payment is typically moved earlier.
If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of the month, expect your final Social Security benefit payment for September 2025 on September 24, either in your bank account (if you use direct deposit) or by check (if that’s your method).
Benefit amounts include the 2.5% cost-of-living increase already applied. While the maximum benefit is quite high for some, most people receive a more modest amount shaped by how early or late they claim, how much they earned, and their earnings history.
If the payment doesn’t arrive on schedule, double-check your details and reach out to SSA—don’t wait too long. Stay alert to your schedule so you know exactly when to expect your funds.
FAQs
What if my birthday is on the 21st – will I get the payment on September 24?
Yes. If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st of any month, your Social Security payment for September 2025 is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24.
How much money will I get this month?
That depends on your work history, age when you began claiming, and any delayed retirement credits. With the 2025 COLA of 2.5%, benefits have increased, but the average remains around $1,900-$2,000 per month. The maximum possible, for those who qualify and delay until age 70, is $5,108 per month.
What should I do if I expected the payment and it hasn’t arrived by the 24th?
If you’re on direct deposit, check with your bank first in case of posting delays. If you receive a paper check, wait a few extra business days for mail delivery. If still missing, contact the Social Security Administration to check your payment status.
