If you’ve been scrolling online lately, you’ve probably seen headlines claiming that Social Security checks are late or that a surprise bonus payment is on the way this August. Let’s clear the air. A lot of what’s out there right now is clickbait—and it’s causing unnecessary stress.
At Low Income Relief, we’re here to give you the facts, not the fluff. Here’s everything you need to know about August’s Social Security payments, including who gets paid when, what’s actually happening with that so-called “bonus,” and how to protect yourself from misinformation.
Who Will Receive Social Security on August 1st?
If you’re getting paid on August 1st, it’s not because of a bonus. It’s because of how the calendar lines up this month.
You’ll receive a payment on Friday, August 1st, if:
- You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- You receive both SSI and Social Security.
- You started receiving Social Security before May 1997.
Normally, Social Security payments that are scheduled for the 3rd of the month get moved up if that date lands on a weekend or holiday. Since August 3rd is a Sunday this year, payments will be issued two days early.
When Will Everyone Else Get Paid?
If you started receiving Social Security after May 1997, you’re on the Wednesday payment schedule. Your payment date depends on the birthdate of the person whose record is being used—whether that’s you or your spouse.
Here’s when you can expect your payment:
- Birthdays on the 1st–10th → Wednesday, August 13
- Birthdays on the 11th–20th → Wednesday, August 20
- Birthdays on the 21st–31st → Wednesday, August 27
These are normal payment dates. They might feel late this month, but that’s just because the first Wednesday of the month doesn’t fall until the 6th, pushing the entire schedule back a bit.
The Truth About the “Bonus” SSI Payment
A lot of outlets are talking about a “bonus” payment coming at the end of the month. Unfortunately, that’s not exactly true.
Here’s what’s really happening:
- If you receive SSI, you’ll get a payment on August 29.
- This is actually your September payment, arriving early because September 1st is Labor Day.
SSI payments are never issued on weekends or federal holidays. So instead of arriving on the first of the month as usual, your payment will come on the last business day of August. It’s not extra—it’s just early.
You won’t receive another SSI payment in September. Your next deposit after August 29 will be October 1.
Avoiding Misinformation Online
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re bombarded with clickbait headlines. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Be cautious of content promising “surprise checks” or “bonus payments.”
- Never pay someone for Social Security information—it’s always free.
- Use trusted sources like the My Social Security portal
What to Do If Your Payment Is Missing
If your payment doesn’t arrive when expected, here’s what to do:
- For paper checks: Wait at least three full mailing days before reporting it.
- For direct deposits: Call your bank first to check for pending deposits.
- Still nothing? Contact the Social Security Administration directly through your My Social Security account or by phone.
Keep in mind that delays can happen around weekends and federal holidays.
Helpful Free Resources
To make things easier, we’ve got a couple of freebies just for you:
- Free Medicare Book: Our sponsor, Chapter, is giving away its best-selling book It’s Not That Complicated: The Three Medicare Decisions to Protect Your Health and Money—completely free for Low Income Relief readers. 👉 Claim your free copy
- Printable 2025 Payment Schedule: Want to stay organized all year? We’ve created a free printable list of the remaining 2025 Social Security payment dates. 👉 Download it now
Relief Recap
In August 2025, Social Security and SSI payments are arriving exactly as scheduled, though some dates may feel later due to how the calendar falls. There are no bonus or surprise payments—only an early SSI deposit on August 29 due to the Labor Day holiday. If you’re ever unsure about your benefits, stick with trusted sources like the SSA and avoid clickbait claims that can cause unnecessary stress.