If you’ve been counting down the days to August 13, 2025 for your Social Security payment, here’s a heads-up — you might be in for a shock. Millions of Americans won’t see any money hit their accounts that day.
Before you start worrying about glitches, budget cuts, or the government “forgetting” about you, the real reason is surprisingly simple: It’s all about when you were born.
For retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors who depend on Social Security to pay bills and buy groceries, missing a check can feel like a gut punch. But the truth is, this isn’t a missing payment — it’s just coming on a different day.
Millions Will Not Get Social Security on August 13
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Reason for No Payment on Aug. 13 | Birth-date-based payment schedule — only those born 1st–10th get paid Aug. 13. |
| Who Gets Paid Aug. 13 | Birthdays between the 1st and 10th. |
| Who Waits Until Aug. 20 | Birthdays between the 11th and 20th. |
| Who Waits Until Aug. 27 | Birthdays between the 21st and 31st. |
| Overpayment Withholding | Up to 50% of benefits withheld to recover overpayments. |
| SSI Payment Dates | Aug. 1 (regular), Aug. 29 (advance for September due to Labor Day). |
| Official Info | Visit SSA.gov for payment schedule. |
Not getting your Social Security check on August 13 isn’t a system failure — it’s just the payment schedule at work. Knowing your date, planning ahead, and using SSA tools can keep your finances steady. In today’s economy, understanding when your money comes in is more than peace of mind — it’s a survival skill.
Why Millions Won’t Get Paid on August 13
The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t pay everyone on the same day. Since 1997, payments have been staggered to reduce strain on the banking system and SSA’s processing centers.
The schedule is simple:
- Born 1st–10th: Paid the second Wednesday (Aug. 13 in 2025)
- Born 11th–20th: Paid the third Wednesday (Aug. 20 in 2025)
- Born 21st–31st: Paid the fourth Wednesday (Aug. 27 in 2025)
This method spreads out the flow of money and ensures smoother processing — but it also means you might have to wait a week or two longer than your neighbor.
SSI Works Differently
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is paid on the first of the month, but here’s the catch:
- If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, payment comes early.
- In August 2025, SSI will be paid August 1 and again August 29 for September because Labor Day falls on September 1.
How Many People Are in Each Group?
While SSA doesn’t break down exact counts by birthday, here’s what we do know:
- Over 67 million people receive Social Security benefits
- Payments are spread roughly evenly across the three date groups.
- That means tens of millions will not be getting paid on August 13.
Real-Life Example
Let’s meet Linda, a retired school teacher from Kansas. Her birthday is on the 15th, so she’s in the “third Wednesday” group. She had no idea about the schedule when she retired in 2022. In her first August without a payment on the 13th, she panicked — until she learned her check was coming the next week.
Lesson: Knowing your payment group can save you stress (and a few frantic calls to the bank).
Overpayment Recovery: The Silent Paycheck Shrinker
Between 2020–2023, SSA reported $13.6 billion in overpayments — often caused by unreported income changes or paperwork errors. To recover these, the SSA can withhold up to 50% of your monthly benefit.
If you owe, your payment could arrive on time but be much smaller. You can set up a repayment plan with SSA to reduce the monthly hit — call 1-800-772-1213.
How to Check Your Exact Payment Date
Step 1 – Know Your Benefit Type
- Retirement Benefits
- Survivor Benefits
- SSDI
- SSI
Step 2 – Check Your Birthday
Match it to the payment schedule:
- 1st–10th: 2nd Wednesday
- 11th–20th: 3rd Wednesday
- 21st–31st: 4th Wednesday
Step 3 – Use “my Social Security”
Log in at ssa.gov/myaccount for official dates.
Social Security Payments: Who Gets Paid When?
| Benefit Group | Payment Date |
| Beneficiaries born on the 1st – 10th of a month | Second Wednesday of August |
| Beneficiaries born on the 11th – 20th of a month | Third Wednesday of August |
| Beneficiaries born on the 21st – 31st of a month | Fourth Wednesday of August |
| Beneficiaries who started receiving benefits before May 1997 | 3rd of the month |
| SSI recipients | 1st of the month* |
*Note: In August 2025, SSI recipients will receive a second payment on August 29th for the September benefit, as September 1st is a holiday.
Holiday & Weekend Shifts
Here’s a quick guide to how holidays can bump payments:
- New Year’s Day – Early payment in late December for SSI
- Labor Day, Christmas, July 4th – May cause early SSI payments
- Wednesdays – Rarely affected unless SSA offices close for a federal holiday
Top 3 Social Security Payment Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake: Not updating your contact information. Always make sure your bank account and address are current with the SSA to avoid any payment hiccups.
Myth: Everyone gets their payment on the first of the month. This is incorrect! Only a small portion of beneficiaries (those who started before May 1997 or receive SSI) get paid at the beginning of the month.
Mistake: Panicking if your payment is one day late. The SSA recommends waiting at least three business days before you contact them about a missing payment. Sometimes, bank processing can cause a slight delay.
Pro Tips for Professionals & Recipients
- Financial Planners: Build staggered Social Security payments into client cash flow models.
- Recipients: Keep one month’s worth of expenses in reserve if possible.
- Caregivers: Track multiple benefit dates for family members to avoid confusion.
Emergency Resources if Your Check Is Late
- SSA Hotline: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
- Local SSA Office: Use the SSA Office Locator
- Temporary Assistance: Check with local charities or state assistance programs if you face a shortfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why didn’t I get my Social Security check on August 13?
A: Your birthday likely falls after the 10th — meaning your payment is scheduled later.
Q2: Can I get my payment early?
A: Only if the date falls on a holiday/weekend for SSI. Retirement/SSDI are fixed.
Q3: My payment was smaller than usual — why?
A: SSA may be recouping overpayments. Call them to confirm.
