If you get monthly income through Social Security, here’s something you should know, especially if you owe the government money. The Social Security Administration (SSA) just confirmed that some recipients will face a 15% garnishment on their next payments. That’s awful news for many Americans who are already stretched pretty thin.
SSA’s payment schedule: Why it matters
You likely are aware that Social Security checks don’t all get sent out on the same day. The SSA has what’s known as a staggered payment system:
- Most retired or disabled workers, spouses, and children: second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month
- Those who began receiving both Social Security and SSI: third of the month.
- First of the month: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients.
Knowing your payment date is important, especially when changes happen.
Why is there no SSI payment in March
Let’s talk about another kink. If you collect SSI, you probably noticed by now that no check was made in March. That wasn’t a mistake. The first day of March was a Saturday, so the SSA advanced your check to Friday, February 28. Because of that, you won’t get the next one until April 1.
And not just one month in 2025 that it will occur. So, below are the six months in 2025 when your SSI will be paid prematurely:
- January – Paid December 31, 2024
- February – Paid January 31, 2025
- March – Paid February 28, 2025
- June – Paid May 30, 2025
- September – Paid August 29, 2025
- November – Paid October 31, 2025
- January 2026 – Paid on December 31, 2025
Your budget should reflect this, as missing one month, even if only for a month, can cause problems.
Social Security checks will be early in May and August
If you have a check normally delivered on the third of the month, take note: your May and August 2025 checks will be earlier because the third of those months falls on a weekend.
What to do now
If you’re worried about garnishment, review your records. You might be able to appeal or make a payment plan, depending on the kind of debt. And if you’re living on SSI, put a note on your calendar for those initial payments so you’re not surprised.
Bottom line: Review your finances now to spare yourself an unpleasant shock when your next check comes along.
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