Millions of people who rely on Social Security will see money arrive in their accounts twice during the first week of October. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is sending out two different batches of payments, and for many households, this money is a lifeline for rent, food, and medical costs. If you are wondering when your payment is coming and how much it could be, here is what you need to know.
Who will get the first october payment
On October 1, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are first in line. SSI supports about 7.4 million Americans with very limited income and resources. These payments are separate from regular Social Security retirement or disability checks.
Two days later, on October 3, the SSA will distribute checks to people who have been collecting retirement benefits since before 1997. This group also includes people who receive both Social Security and SSI benefits, such as spousal or survivor benefits.
If you are in either of these groups, you should see your money land soon. The SSA asks everyone to allow at least three business days for the deposit to show up before contacting the agency about delays.
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How the rest of october payments are scheduled
If you do not fall into the first two groups, your payment will come later in the month according to your birth date:
- October 8: birthdays between the 1st and 10th
- October 15: birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- October 22: birthdays between the 21st and 31st
This schedule helps the SSA handle payments for more than 74 million Americans without delays.
How much you could receive in october
The amount you receive depends on your work history, the age you began collecting benefits, and which program you qualify for. Here are the key figures:
- The average monthly retirement check as of July 2025 was $2,006.69, according to SSA data.
- The maximum benefit at full retirement age (67) is $4,018 a month.
- Starting benefits early at 62 lowers the maximum to $2,831.
- Waiting until age 70 raises the maximum monthly benefit to $5,108, which is the highest amount you can receive this year.
- The average SSI payment stands at about $718.30 per month.
This means that some retirees who waited until age 70 to claim benefits will see up to $5,108 in their October payment.
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What to know about future increases
October is also the month when the SSA announces the new Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for the next year. This annual increase is meant to keep benefits in line with inflation and rising living costs. The finalized 2026 COLA will apply to retirement, spousal, survivor, disability benefits, and SSI starting with January 2026 payments.
If you depend on Social Security, this first week of October is important. Two separate payment batches—SSI on October 1 and long-term beneficiaries on October 3—mean you may see your deposit sooner than usual. Keeping an eye on your account this week can help you plan your bills with confidence.
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