Key Points

  • The first Social Security payments for October will be distributed this week.
  • All payments will now be issued electronically under a new paperless policy.
  • Payments are scheduled on three different dates in October, depending on the beneficiary’s birth date.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive two payments in October.

Big Changes for October’s Social Security Payments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to distribute the first wave of October’s benefit payments this week, but with a significant change: the era of paper checks is over. This month marks the first payment cycle under a new paperless policy mandated by a March executive order.

Beginning September 30, 2025, the federal government ceased issuing paper checks for most federal payments. According to the SSA, this transition to an all-electronic system will have a minimal impact, as over 99% of beneficiaries already receive their payments via direct deposit or a Direct Express card.

For the small fraction of recipients who have not yet made the switch, the SSA urges them to enroll in an electronic payment method to ensure they continue to receive their monthly benefits without delay. In 2025, the Social Security Administration expects to send over $1.6 trillion in payments to approximately 72 million beneficiaries.

October 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule

Payments are staggered throughout the month based on the recipient’s birth date.

  • Wednesday, October 8: For those with birth dates between the 1st and the 10th.
  • Wednesday, October 15: For those with birth dates between the 11th and the 20th.
  • Wednesday, October 22: For those with birth dates between the 21st and the 31st.

SSI Payment Schedule for Remainder of 2025

Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) should note a slightly different schedule.

  • Wednesday, October 1
  • Friday, October 31 (This is the payment for November)
  • Monday, December 1
  • Wednesday, December 31 (This is the payment for January 2026)

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