If you’re wondering when your Social Security check will arrive this October, or what’s going on with cost-of-living increases and other important updates, you’re not alone. We’ve broken everything down in a clear and simple way, so you’ll know exactly what to expect—and what to watch out for.
Let’s start with the payment schedule, because your deposit dates depend on the type of benefits you receive.
SSI Payment Schedule for October 2025
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a needs-based program for people with very low incomes. This includes many seniors and people with disabilities. If you receive SSI, your October payment will be deposited on Tuesday, October 1.
Because November 1 falls on a Saturday this year, your November SSI payment will arrive one day early—on Thursday, October 31. This isn’t a bonus or extra payment; it’s your regular monthly benefit, delivered ahead of schedule because of the weekend. We’re already seeing misleading headlines about this, so please don’t let the clickbait confuse you.
If you’re on SSI, it’s also important to know that some changes are coming to how the Social Security Administration calculates in-kind support and maintenance. This could affect your check amount, so be sure to read up on those changes in our guide to in-kind support and maintenance.
SSDI and Retirement Benefit Pay Dates
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits, your payment date will depend on when you started receiving benefits and the date of birth tied to your record.
Anyone who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 will get their payment on October 3. If you receive both SSI and another type of Social Security benefit, your Social Security portion will also arrive on October 3.
For everyone else, the SSA uses a Wednesday schedule:
- If your birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th, you’ll receive your payment on October 8.
- If your birthday is between the 11th and the 20th, your payment date is October 15.
- If your birthday falls between the 21st and the 31st, you’ll be paid on October 22.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment Coming Soon
The Social Security Administration will announce the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) in October. This increase helps your benefits keep up with inflation, and while there’s been plenty of speculation about the amount, nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
We’ll let you know the exact COLA amount as soon as it’s announced. Until then, please be careful about scams. You do not need to pay to find out your COLA increase or to receive it. The increase happens automatically, and the SSA will notify you when it’s finalized.
Paper Checks Ending September 30
The U.S. Treasury Department is officially ending paper Social Security checks on September 30. If you haven’t already switched to direct deposit or a Direct Express debit card, you’ll need to do so immediately to avoid disruptions.
You can update your payment method by visiting GoDirect.gov or by calling the Social Security Administration for help. Don’t wait—any delay could put your October benefits at risk.
Expanded Online Tools for Social Security
The SSA has improved its My Social Security portal to offer more services and better access. You can now use the online system to request a replacement Social Security card, view your benefits statement, check your claim status, and even get tax documents like your SSA-1099. These services are now available 24/7 with fewer outages than before, making it easier to manage your benefits from home.
Warning: Major Data Security Risk
There’s been a troubling update regarding the NUMIDENT database, which contains sensitive data for around 300 million Americans. A senior official recently confirmed that a full copy of this database was uploaded to a cloud server without proper security oversight. It’s not clear whether the data was accessed or stolen, but it’s a serious risk.
This database includes full names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, addresses, race and ethnicity, and even parent names. To protect yourself, consider monitoring your credit reports and setting up fraud alerts. You can also learn more about this breach and what it means for you in our full report on the NUMIDENT database leak.
Relief Recap
October is shaping up to be a busy month for Social Security recipients, with important payment schedule changes, the upcoming COLA announcement, and new policies impacting how benefits are delivered. The most urgent action item is to make sure your payment method is up to date before the paper check cutoff on September 30.
As always, we’ll keep you posted on the changes that matter most. For now, keep an eye on your mail, check your online accounts, and don’t fall for misleading headlines or scams. If anything new develops, you’ll find it here first.
It’s the 3rd of October and my money is nowhere to be found….my question is this, who is going to pay the overdraft fees that will hit my account because I have automatic payments on my bills and guess what they are going through today. By the time my check does go through, there will be nothing left…..
Hi Nicole,
I just wanted to say I was a bit shocked to see you posted that if you received SSDI that our payment date was changing and going to the by birthdate schedule. I got on my social security site and it tells me there is no change It will come as it always has on the 3rd of the month. I was sure happy to hear that.
Just think you should know this.
I do enjoy your videos about most topics.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for the kind words and for pointing that out—it’s really helpful when our community shares what they’re seeing. We always want to be as accurate as possible, and we’re so glad you’re part of this space.
Why isn’t the COLA keeping up with the economy . We are suffering out here and seniors citizens should not have to keep working in their later years .
It’s heartbreaking to hear how many people are struggling, especially after working so hard for so long. We really appreciate you sharing this—it’s something so many others feel but don’t always say out loud.