The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that the final payment for September 2025 will be distributed on Wednesday, September 24. This disbursement is specifically targeted to beneficiaries whose birthdates fall between the 21st and 31st of any month. The payment covers retirement benefits, disability benefits (SSDI), and survivors’ benefits.
This is the last of the beneficiary groups receiving SSA payments for the month of September: Retirement (and SSDI) beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month received their payment on Wednesday the 10th, while those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th received a payment date of Wednesday the 17th.
Social Security payment amounts in September
The average amounts to be distributed on this date remain unchanged from previous periods. For retired workers, the individual average is $1,976, while for couples filing jointly, the amount can reach up to $3,089. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive an average of $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples.
The maximum payment amount for retirees who chose to delay retirement until age 70 can be as high as $5,108. This calculation depends on each individual’s earnings history and contributions throughout their working life.
The SSA reminds people that these figures are averages and that individual payments may vary depending on each beneficiary’s contribution history.
It’s time to ditch paper checks: Donald Trump’s ordinance
The SSA has established that, according to Donald Trump’s executive order, all paper checks must be eliminated by the end of September 2025. A procedure for granting exemptions to the electronic payment requirement. These exemptions are intended for very specific and limited cases. One of them applies to individuals with documented mental disabilities that clearly impede the management or use of a bank account or debit card (Direct Express card).
The other case considered for a possible exemption is that of beneficiaries who reside in remote areas or who demonstrate a lack of tangible access to basic banking services or reliable postal infrastructure. To request this exemption, interested parties or their legal representatives must contact the SSA directly and submit documentation justifying the request. Approval is not automatic and is subject to the Administration’s review.
These exempt groups constitute a minority of the total number of beneficiaries. The vast majority of Social Security benefit recipients will have to adapt to the system change before the September 30, 2025, deadline to avoid any interruption in receiving their funds.
SSA’s mandatory transition to electronic payments
The shift to universal electronic payments is not a recent decision by the SSA, but rather the culmination of a process that began years ago. The executive order that seals this process was signed by President Donald Trump on March 25, 2025. This order establishes the phasing out of paper checks for all federal payments, including, most notably, Social Security payments.
The rationale for this measure is based on arguments of administrative efficiency, reduced operating costs for the government, and a reduction in the risks associated with postal mail, such as lost, stolen, or delayed checks. Authorities believe that electronic payments are safer, faster, and more reliable for the vast majority of the population.
The easiest way to change now
To facilitate this transition, the SSA has set up several information and assistance channels. The official website, GoDirect.gov, offers detailed guides and answers to frequently asked questions. Beneficiaries can also ask questions or manage a payment method change by calling the SSA’s toll-free number or visiting a local SSA office.