Marina
Though a government shutdown is underway, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has affirmed its commitment to disbursing benefits.
As of Friday, October 17, the SSA announced that payments would proceed starting next week. Beneficiaries are encouraged to monitor official SSA communications for updates.
The SSA is the federal agency overseeing retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs.
It also runs the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for eligible elderly, blind, or disabled individuals. Moreover, the SSA is tasked with issuing Social Security Numbers (SSNs) to U.S. residents.
Who Gets Paid on October 22, 2025?
On Wednesday, October 22, benefit payments will be delivered to qualifying recipients of retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or survivor benefits.
In the U.S., over 70 million people receive one of these three benefits, with most payments distributed on one of the three Wednesdays each month.
Which Wednesday you receive your payment depends on the birth date of the worker whose Social Security taxes make you eligible. For October:
| Payment Date | Birth Dates Eligible |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, October 8 | 1st – 10th |
| Wednesday, October 15 | 11th – 20th |
| Wednesday, October 22 | 21st – 31st |
Thus, recipients whose benefit-qualifying worker was born between the 21st and 31st of the month will see payments on October 22.
Timing for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
The SSI program functions slightly differently. SSI is a separate benefit for low-income individuals (age 65+, blind, or disabled). SSI payments usually arrive on the first day of each month, so for October, those funds were disbursed on October 1.
Some individuals—about 2.5 million—receive both an SSI and one of the SSA’s retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits. Typically, these “dual benefit” recipients saw SSI on October 1, followed by their Social Security payment on October 3 (before the Wednesday cycle).
Additional timing details for October 2025:
- SSI Beneficiaries: October 1
- Social Security beneficiaries (pre-1997 rule): October 3
- Dual Beneficiaries: SSI on October 1, Social Security on October 3
Even amid a government shutdown, the SSA remains resolute in delivering benefits. For October 2025, payments for retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits will fall on various Wednesdays: October 8, 15, or 22, depending on the qualifying worker’s birth date.
SSI recipients were paid on October 1, with dual-benefit recipients receiving their Social Security payments around October 3. Keep an eye on SSA notifications for any changes or confirmations.
FAQs
What happens to Social Security payments if the government shutdown continues?
The SSA has committed to continuing benefit disbursements even during the shutdown period, asserting that those payments are mandatory under existing law.
Why do some people receive their Social Security benefits on different Wednesdays?
The specific Wednesday for payment is determined by the birth date of the worker whose Social Security taxes made the recipient eligible—split into three date-based groups.
If I receive both SSI and Social Security benefits, when do I get paid?
Generally, SSI is paid on the first of the month. Social Security-related benefits (retirement, SSDI, or survivors) follow the Wednesday schedule—often a few days later for dual recipients.