SSI Payments and Labor Day: Why Your Check Didn’t Show Up

The SSA issues payments on business days only, which brings confusion since September 1st is a Monday

No Check in September? SSA Explains 2025 SSI Payment Shift

No Check in September? SSA Explains 2025 SSI Payment Shift

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), is an important federal financial assistance initiative in the United States, which is intended for people with limited resources and income who meet the age criteria, over 65 years of age, or have a qualifying disability or blindness.

For 2025, the maximum SSI aid amounts are set at $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples. These figures reflect a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) compared to the previous year, 2024. Funds are typically distributed on the first day of each month.

However, when this date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, delivery is postponed to the last business day of the month. This operational regulation is essential for understanding payment scheduling after August 29, 2025.

There’s not SSI payment in September: The SSA explains

The issuance of SSI payments throughout 2025 is governed by a pre-established schedule, although it is subject to modifications due to holidays. During the month of August 2025, beneficiaries received two separate disbursements.

The first payment corresponds to the August benefit and is made on the 1st of the month. A second payment is distributed on August 29th, which is designated to cover the September benefit. This advance payment is being made because September 1, 2025, is Labor Day, a federal holiday in the country.

The SSA has a policy of not processing payments on non-business days. As a direct consequence of this scheduling, no distributions are planned for the month of September.

Months with SSI dates changes

In October 2025, beneficiaries receive a payment on October 1st (for the October benefit). However, they also receive a second payment on October 31st, corresponding to the November 2025 benefit. This payment is advanced because November 1st falls on a Saturday.

Therefore, October 2025 is another month with double payments, and November 2025 has no payments, since the November benefit was issued on October 31st.

At the end of the year, in December 2025, beneficiaries receive a payment on December 1st (for the December benefit). They also receive a second payment on December 31st, corresponding to the January 2026 benefit, advanced because January 1st, 2026, is a federal holiday (New Year’s Day).

This makes December 2025 another month with double payments. As a result, January 2026 will have no SSI payments, as the benefit for that month was distributed on December 31, 2025.

What to do if your SSI payment didn’t arrive on time

If the SSI deposit does not arrive on time, beneficiaries should take a few steps to resolve the issue. First, it is recommended to wait three additional business days after the scheduled date, as delays can occur, especially for the few beneficiaries who still receive paper checks.

Next, verify that your bank account or Direct Express card information is up-to-date, as 99% of SSI payments are made electronically. If the payment still does not appear, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (or 1-800-325-0778 for TTY) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, or use the website www.ssa.gov to report the problem.