August is one of those months where some retirees will receive Social Security twice. The first payment arrived on August 1, while beneficiaries will receive the second on August 30. The double payment is because September 1 falls on a weekend when payment cannot be approved.
Typically, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends out only one Supplemental Social Security payment every month, and checks are usually sent on the first of each month. However, the weekend holiday will not be possible in September, so the payment will be made earlier than expected.
The SSA has confirmed the payment schedule for SSI recipients, ensuring that those eligible for SSI will indeed receive their regular September benefits early, in the last days of August. This payment does not represent an additional amount or bonus; it is simply an early payment of the September benefits. This scheduling quirk is important for beneficiaries to note so they can plan their expenses accordingly.
The SSA’s decision to issue the September payment early is standard practice whenever the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday. The aim is to ensure beneficiaries can access their funds without delay, but it can be confusing if recipients aren’t aware of the schedule. This rare second payment in August should not be mistaken for extra income but rather an early disbursement of September’s benefits. A similar situation will also occur in November, according to the SSA payment schedule.
How much will beneficiaries earn this month in their Social Security check?
The amount received by beneficiaries will remain consistent with their usual monthly payments. SSI recipients receive on average $698 in monthly benefits, but there are other payment amounts available depending on the category they filed for during the application process. For example, those candidates who filed as individuals will receive a Social Security check worth up to $943 per month, while couples can receive up to $1,415.
SSI benefits are typically awarded to those who are elderly, blind, or disabled and who have limited income and resources. Recipients who qualify for the essential person (EP) criteria will receive an extra $472 payment per month.
New Social Security check payments confirmed for SSI recipients
| SSI benefits | Social Security check payment |
| August 1 | Thursday |
| September: August 30 | Friday |
| October 1 | Tuesday |
| November 1 | Friday |
| December: November 29 | Friday |
Why the second payment?
The second payment in August is a result of the calendar configuration, not a change in policy or an increase in benefits. While the concept of receiving two checks in a single month might seem like a windfall, it is essentially a timing issue. Beneficiaries should be cautious in managing their finances, knowing that the early September payment will leave them without a check at the start of that month.
For many retirees and SSI recipients, understanding the timing of these payments is crucial for budgeting purposes. Those relying on this income for essential needs must be aware that after receiving two payments in August, there will be a longer gap until the next payment in October.
