As October comes to a close, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has completed its final round of payments for the month—closing the books on October’s distribution cycle and setting up a slightly unusual schedule heading into November. Because of a calendar overlap, some recipients will receive two deposits in October and none in November. But don’t worry—the timing quirk doesn’t mean anyone is missing a payment.
End of October: Final Payments and a Double Deposit
This week, retirees born between the 21st and 31st of the month received their Social Security benefits on Wednesday, October 22, wrapping up the SSA’s regular October distribution.
Meanwhile, recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are due for a second payment on Thursday, October 31, since November 1 falls on a Saturday. When the first of the month lands on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA issues that payment one business day early.
That means SSI recipients will receive two checks in October—one for October and one early payment covering November—and no SSI deposit will be made in November.
November 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
For retirees, disability recipients, and survivors receiving regular Social Security (not SSI), November’s payment calendar remains unchanged. The schedule is based on your birth date:
| Birth Date Range | November 2025 Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | Wednesday, Nov. 12 |
| 11th–20th | Wednesday, Nov. 19 |
| 21st–31st | Wednesday, Nov. 26 |
Those who began receiving benefits before May 1997, or who receive both Social Security and SSI, will see their deposit on Monday, November 3.
If you’re expecting a payment, note that 99% of all benefits are sent electronically, so they should arrive in your account on the scheduled date. For paper checks, the SSA advises allowing three additional mailing days before reporting a missing payment.
For the official calendar, visit the SSA Payment Schedule page.
What About the COLA Announcement?
Normally, the SSA releases the following year’s Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) every October, based on third-quarter inflation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This year’s 2026 COLA update—originally set for October 15, 2025—was delayed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which temporarily paused several agency operations, including the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report used to calculate COLA.
The BLS now plans to publish the September inflation data on Friday, October 24, and the SSA is expected to announce the 2026 COLA adjustment the same day.
Historically, delays like this are minor and do not affect benefit payments. During the 2013 and 2018–2019 shutdowns, the COLA data was postponed but payments continued on schedule.
Will the Shutdown Affect Social Security Payments?
No. Despite budgetary pauses in some government operations, Social Security payments continue uninterrupted. The SSA has contingency systems and permanent funding authority that allow benefit disbursements to proceed even when other federal agencies are affected.
However, some services may be limited, such as:
- New or replacement Social Security cards (except for emergency situations)
- Benefit verifications and appeals processing
- In-person appointment scheduling
You can still access most services via the SSA online portal at ssa.gov/myaccount.
SSI Payment Schedule: Late 2025
For SSI recipients, the last three months of 2025 will follow this schedule:
| Month Covered | Payment Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| October 2025 | Tuesday, Oct. 1 | Regular October payment |
| November 2025 | Friday, Oct. 31 | Paid early (since Nov. 1 is a Saturday) |
| December 2025 | Monday, Dec. 1 | Regular December payment |
| January 2026 | Tuesday, Dec. 31 | Early deposit for January 2026 benefits |
So while November will technically have no SSI check, the total number of yearly payments remains the same. The early deposit on October 31 simply shifts November’s payment forward.
What to Do if You Don’t Receive Your Payment
If your benefit hasn’t arrived on the expected date:
- Wait three business days—most delays are due to banking cycles.
- Check your bank account for pending transactions.
- Log into My Social Security to confirm your payment history.
- If it’s still missing, contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
FAQs:
Why am I getting two SSI payments in October 2025?
Because November 1 falls on a Saturday, your November benefit is paid a day early—on October 31.
Will there be an SSI payment in November?
No. The early October 31 payment counts as November’s benefit.
When will my Social Security payment arrive in November?
It depends on your birthday:
Nov. 12 (1st–10th)
Nov. 19 (11th–20th)
Nov. 26 (21st–31st)
