Social Security is sending out payments on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as part of its routine monthly distribution schedule. Nearly 70 million Americans receive retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits based on their birth dates.
This article helps you understand who qualifies for this specific payment, explains the timing system, and highlights key exceptions to watch.
Who Gets Paid on August 20?
The SSA uses a staggered Wednesday schedule to distribute benefits to different groups:
- Second Wednesday: Birth-day 1–10 → August 13
- Third Wednesday: Birth-day 11–20 → August 20
- Fourth Wednesday: Birth-day 21–31 → August 27
Therefore, recipients whose (or relevant family member’s) birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of any month will receive their benefits on Wednesday, August 20.
August 2025 Payment Schedule – Snapshot Table
| Beneficiary Group | Payment Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Birthdays 1–10 | Wednesday, Aug 13 | Retirement, SSDI, survivor benefits |
| Birthdays 11–20 | Wednesday, Aug 20 | Eligible Social Security recipients this week |
| Birthdays 21–31 | Wednesday, Aug 27 | Remaining beneficiaries |
| Pre–May 1997 beneficiaries | Friday, Aug 1 | Paid monthly on 3rd; Aug payment moved due to weekend |
| SSI recipients | Friday, Aug 1 | Receive SSI on 1st of the month |
| Early September SSI | Friday, Aug 29 | September SSI sent early due to Labor Day |
Why the Staggered System Exists
This tiered payment system, based on birth-month, helps distribute workload, streamline processing, and avoid payment backlog. It ensures the SSA can reliably deliver checks to millions every month without delay.
Special Cases to Note
- Pre‑May 1997 Beneficiaries – If you began receiving Social Security before May 1997, your payments go out on the first business day of the month. For August 2025, this was Friday, Aug 1.
- SSI Recipients – SSI follows a monthly schedule with payments on the 1st. In August, SSI was paid on Aug 1, and a second early payment for September falls on Friday, Aug 29, due to the Labor Day holiday.
Benefit Amounts & Additional Context
On average:
- Retirees receive around $2,006.69 per month.
- Disabled (SSDI) beneficiaries: approx. $1,582.38.
- Survivor benefits average $1,574.28.
- SSI individual beneficiaries typically receive about $716.09 each month.
These figures may vary depending on individual past earnings, claiming age, and other eligibility factors.
On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, Social Security will deliver payments to retirees, SSDI or survivor benefit recipients born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
Special schedules apply to pre-1997 beneficiaries and SSI recipients, with early deposits due to the holiday week. Knowing your payment timing helps with budgeting and reduces financial disruptions—especially for those relying heavily on these benefits.
FAQs
Who receives Social Security on August 20, 2025?
Recipients of retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits whose birthday (or relevant filer’s) falls between the 11th and 20th of any month receive payment on that date.
When do SSI payments arrive in August?
SSI beneficiaries received their regular August payment on Aug 1, and an early September payment on Aug 29 due to the Labor Day holiday.