Social Security Payments Begin October 8 Following Federal Deposit Shift

In October 2025, Social Security payments in the United States will follow a staggered schedule based on recipients' birthdates, with the first group receiving payments on October 8. This month marks the start of a new policy requiring most beneficiaries to receive payments via direct deposit or a Direct Express card, ending the issuance of paper checks as mandated by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The average monthly retirement benefit in 2025 is approximately $2,006, with a maximum of $5,108 for those who qualify. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive two payments in October due to calendar adjustments, receiving their usual payment on October 1 and an additional payment on October 31 because the November payment date falls on a weekend. These changes and schedules ensure that despite government disruptions, mandatory Social Security and SSI payments proceed regularly and beneficiaries are advised to contact official sources if payments are delayed or missing. Meanwhile, Canadian benefit programs also schedule multiple payments in October 2025 to assist with living costs, but these are separate from U.S. Social Security matters.