The first Social Security payment wave for October 2025 lands this week. If you’re a beneficiary born early in the month, this may be your payday. Here’s who gets paid on Wednesday, October 8—and what’s changed with the SSA’s new direct deposit policy.
Who gets a Social Security payment on October 8?
The Social Security Administration pays retirement benefits based on birth dates.
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment arrives on the second Wednesday of each month. This month, that’s Wednesday, October 8.
You’ll receive your payment then if:
- You started receiving Social Security after May 1997, and
- Your birthdate is between the 1st and 10th
October payment schedule by birth date
Here’s the full SSA calendar for October 2025:
- October 3: Recipients who began benefits before May 1997
- October 8: Birthdays from 1st–10th
- October 15: Birthdays from 11th–20th
- October 22: Birthdays from 21st–31st
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) checks were issued on October 1.
New policy: No more paper checks
Starting this month, the SSA no longer issues paper checks.
- You must receive payments via direct deposit or a Direct Express debit card
- This follows a March 2025 executive order signed by President Trump that ended paper check issuance across federal agencies
- The compliance deadline was September 30, 2025
If you haven’t updated your payment method, your benefits may be delayed.
How much is the average Social Security payment?
The amount varies depending on retirement age, lifetime earnings, and credits.
For 2025:
- Average monthly benefit: $1,843
- Maximum benefit at full retirement age (67): $4,018
- Maximum benefit at age 70: $5,108
- Benefit if retiring early at age 62: Around $2,831
How age affects your benefit amount
Timing your retirement makes a big difference:
- Retiring at 62: Lower monthly payments (up to 30% less)
- Full retirement age (67): 100% of your calculated benefit
- Retiring at 70: Highest possible benefit due to deferral credits
Every year you wait past 67 increases your benefit by about 8% annually.
What to do if you haven’t been paid
- Confirm your payment method is direct deposit or Direct Express
- Check your My Social Security account online for status updates
- If you don’t see your deposit within 3 business days, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213
Key takeaways
- Social Security payments go out October 8 for those born between the 1st and 10th
- No more paper checks—only direct deposit or debit card
- Payment amounts vary based on age and work history
- Check SSA’s calendar to confirm your payment date