Millions of Americans are about to see their Social Security benefits arrive this week — and for some retirees, the payment could be as high as $5,108. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the third round of August payments will be sent on Wednesday, August 27, marking an important date for beneficiaries whose birthdays fall later in the month.
Who gets paid on August 27?
Social Security distributes retirement and disability benefits on a staggered schedule each month. This week’s checks go out to people born between the 21st and 31st of their birth month. If your birthday falls within that timeframe, you can anticipate your payment being deposited or mailed on August 27.
The maximum monthly Social Security retirement benefit for someone who files at age 70 is $5,108 in 2025, while the average monthly benefit is closer to $1,900. How much you receive depends on your work history, how much you paid into Social Security, and the age you chose to retire.
How Social Security payments are scheduled
The SSA typically sends payments on Wednesdays:
- Birthdays between the 1st and 10th: paid on the second Wednesday.
- Birthdays between the 11th and 20th: paid on the third Wednesday.
- Birthdays between the 21st and 31st: paid on the fourth Wednesday.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which supports low-income seniors and disabled Americans, follows a different schedule. SSI checks are usually sent on the first day of each month. In August, payments went out on Friday, August 1. Future SSI payments include August 29, October 1, October 31, December 1, December 31, January 30, and February 27.
What about SSA overpayments?
While this week’s payment is good news for millions of retirees, not everyone will see their full benefit. The SSA recently announced that it will begin withholding 50% of monthly benefits from people who were overpaid but haven’t started paying the money back.
In February 2025, the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General reported that the agency overpaid $13.6 billion in benefits between fiscal years 2020 and 2023. The agency hasn’t said exactly how many beneficiaries were affected, but those who were will notice smaller checks starting this year.
If you can demonstrate financial hardship, the SSA will consider repayment plans or waivers for overpayments. But automatic withholding will start if no arrangements are made.
Why this payment matters
For retirees and disabled Americans relying on Social Security, these checks are a lifeline. The money covers rent, groceries, medical bills, and other daily expenses. With inflation still high and living costs rising, receiving the full benefit amount each month is critical for many households.
The August 27 payment is also a reminder that Social Security benefits are steady and predictable, even as debates continue in Washington over the program’s future. Lawmakers have discussed possible reforms to keep the program funded beyond 2034, but beneficiaries can count on their scheduled payments for now.
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What you should do
If you’re expecting a Social Security check this week:
- Check your bank account or mailbox on August 27. Direct deposits typically arrive faster than paper checks.
- Verify your payment amount. If your benefit is lower than expected, it could be due to an overpayment adjustment.
- Contact the SSA if something seems off. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office for help.
