Some Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive two checks in August 2025, but it’s not a bonus. It’s a routine adjustment by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to avoid delays caused by holidays.
Why are there two SSI checks in August?
This scheduling quirk happens when the first of the month lands on a weekend or holiday. Since September 1 falls on Labor Day, the SSA will issue September’s SSI payment early—on Friday, August 29.
That means eligible recipients will get:
- August payment on Friday, August 1
- September payment (early) on Friday, August 29
While it may feel like a bonus, recipients should budget accordingly—no SSI payment will arrive in September.
Nearly 7.4 million people rely on SSI benefits, which support low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled.
Full SSI payment schedule (Aug 2025 – Feb 2026)
Here’s what the upcoming SSI calendar looks like:
- August 1, 2025: Regular payment for August
- August 29, 2025: Early payment for September
- October 1, 2025: Regular payment for October
- October 31, 2025: Early payment for November
- December 1, 2025: Regular payment for December
- December 31, 2025: Early payment for January 2026
- January 30, 2026: Early payment for February 2026
- February 27, 2026: Early payment for March 2026
Social Security retirement payments follow standard schedule
For those receiving regular Social Security (retirement) benefits, the standard Wednesday payment schedule remains in effect for August:
- August 13: Birthdays between the 1st–10th
- August 20: Birthdays between the 11th–20th
- August 27: Birthdays between the 21st–31st
- August 1: Recipients who began benefits before May 1997
If you receive both SSI and Social Security, you may get two payments on August 1. Everyone else should follow the regular schedule.
Watch for smaller checks due to overpayment collections
Some beneficiaries may see reduced checks in August due to the SSA starting to withhold 50% of payments from those who were overpaid in recent years.
A 2025 report found $13.6 billion in overpayments occurred between 2020 and 2023. Many were linked to recipients failing to report income changes, asset increases, or medical status updates.
If you’ve received an overpayment notice and haven’t arranged repayment, your August check could be smaller than usual.
What is SSI and who qualifies?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly federal benefit for:
- Individuals 65 and older
- People with disabilities
- People who are blind
- Those with limited income or assets
Children with disabilities may also qualify. The SSA caps qualifying wages around $2,019 per month for most adults.
How to apply for SSI
If you think you’re eligible for SSI, you can apply:
- Online at ssa.gov
- By calling 1-800-772-1213
- Or visiting your local Social Security office