Social Security in August: Recipients to receive their checks on these dates. How can you make the most of it?

More than 71 million Americans will soon get their social security payments for the month of August. Some recipients will see two payments this month - but zero payments in September, reports Democrat and Chronicle.

For most recipients, Social Security payments are issued on Wednesdays throughout the month. About 7.4 million Americans who are disabled or have limited resources receive monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments. About half of those who receive SSI also receive Social Security.

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Social Security payment schedule for August 2025

The SSA sends regular monthly payments (SSA benefits) but the dates can vary- generally depending on the day you were born.Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor (RSDI) beneficiaries who filed claims after May 1, 1997, are assigned either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month.

If the 1st falls on the weekend or holiday, as is the case for September, then the payments are typically issued on the previous weekday.

Those who received benefits before May 1997 also have a specific payment date. Regular Social Security retirement benefits are slated to be distributed on the SSA’s usual schedule:

Friday, Aug. 1: People who started receiving Social Security before May 1997

Wednesday, Aug. 13: Birthdates between the 1st and 10th

Wednesday, Aug. 20: Birthdates between the 11th and the 20th

Wednesday, Aug 27: Birthdates between the 21st and the 31st

SSI payments in August will be dispersed twice- on August 1 and August 29 since Labour Day falls on September 1, 2025. Therefore, September’s payment will be issued on the previous weekday in August.

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How can you report a missing Social Security payment:

In case you have not received electronic payment on the scheduled date, you should contact your bank or financial institution first, as per the Social Security Administration. It notes that it "may be experiencing a delay in posting your payment."

Those who still need to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment should call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact their local Social Security office.

"We will review the case and if the payment is due, we will replace it," the administration says on its website. It also suggests that if you don’t receive your payment on the expected date, allow three additional mailing days before contacting the agency; most arrive on time because 99% of beneficiaries are paid electronically.

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When can you begin collecting Social Security?

You can start collecting reduced Social Security benefits as early as age 62. However, waiting until you reach your full retirement age will result in a higher monthly benefit.

Full retirement age has been gradually increasing—rising by two months for each year of birth. For instance, if you were born in 1958, your full retirement age is 66 years and 8 months; for those born in 1959, it's 66 years and 10 months.

Adults who qualify for SSI generally do not have monthly wages above $2,019.

Those eligible for SSI can begin the application process online, in person at your local Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time during the work week.

10 ways to make most of your Social Security payment:

-Reducing non essential costs like reviewing your bank or credit card statements to spot recurring charges can help you free up money for the things you really need.

-You should call and check if retailers, grocery stores, and transportation services offer senior discounts for people aged 60 and older as it could save money.

-Combining your auto and home insurance under one provider could lower your premiums and this could allow you to use the extra income for other monthly expenses.

-Use budgeting app or worksheet to track spending as it helps you prioritize essentials and avoid unnecessary purchases, helping you stretch your dollar a little bit further.

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-Switch to Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to lower or stabilize your energy costs.

-Plan meals before shopping and stick to a list to avoid impulse buys. You can also consider purchasing from discount stores and browsing the weekly circulars to help lower your grocery bill.

-You can try and combine errands into a single outing to help lower transportation costs. These savings can then be used on other necessities, like food or health care.

-Opt for free or low-cost drug savings programs that are separate from insurance. This will help you stretch your Social Security check.

-If something isn't essential, consider waiting until it's marked down, especially for home goods and electronics.

-Consider withdrawing a set amount of cash for non-essentials. Once it's gone, that's it for the month. It is a simple method to control optional spending.