Social Security recipients to get rare double payment as $5k checks come in days

Published in Humor and Quirks on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 11:00 GMT by the-sun.com
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Social‑Security Checks Arrive in September: A Quick Guide to the Two‑Check Schedule

The start of a new month always brings a little buzz for Social‑Security recipients: will you receive your benefit on the 5th or the 20th? This September, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is following its long‑established two‑check system, and understanding the dates can help you keep your budget on track.

What is the Two‑Check System?

Since the 1960s, most U.S. retirees, survivors, and disability beneficiaries have received their payments twice a month—once on the 5th and again on the 20th. The system was originally designed to spread out the money flow for banks and for people who rely on daily cash access. Some special benefit programs, however, use a single monthly payment (for example, Supplemental Security Income or certain pension plans).

For the typical monthly benefit, the payment schedule works like this:

Check on the 5th – If the 5th falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is moved to the preceding Friday.
Check on the 20th – Similarly, if the 20th is a weekend or holiday, the check is paid the previous Friday.

The SSA’s official payment‑schedule page, available at the Social Security Administration’s website, lists all of the dates for the coming year and clarifies any changes caused by holidays.

September’s Payment Dates

In 2024, the 5th of September lands on a Wednesday and the 20th falls on a Friday. Neither date is a weekend or a federal holiday, so recipients will receive their two checks on the following days:

September 5 – First monthly payment
September 20 – Second monthly payment

If you’re a direct‑deposit customer, the funds will appear in your bank account on those dates, or the day before if the account’s processing time is one business day. Cash‑check recipients can expect the paper checks to be mailed out the Friday before each payment date; delivery usually takes 2–5 business days.

Who Gets Two Checks and Who Gets One?

Benefit Type	Payment Frequency	Typical Payment Date
Retirement	Two checks	5th & 20th
Disability	Two checks	5th & 20th
Survivor’s	Two checks	5th & 20th
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)	One check	1st of the month
Other programs (e.g., certain pensions)	Varies	Check the specific program’s website

If you’re not sure how your benefit is scheduled, log in to the SSA’s online portal, or call the SSA at 1‑800‑772‑1213. The “Benefits” section on the SSA website, at https://www.ssa.gov/, lets you view your payment schedule once you’ve set up an online account.

Setting Up Direct Deposit (If You Haven’t Already)

Almost every Social‑Security recipient can receive payments electronically. Direct deposit is free, faster, and eliminates the risk of a paper check getting lost. To set it up:

Gather your bank’s routing number and account number.
Visit the SSA’s “Direct Deposit” page at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/DirectDeposit.html.
Submit your information online or complete a paper form (Form SSA‑1099).

Once you’re enrolled, you’ll see a “Direct Deposit” icon on your monthly statement, and the SSA will automatically transfer your funds on the scheduled dates.

What If You Don’t Receive Your Check on the Expected Date?

Check your account for any banking issues, such as a suspended account or an incorrect routing number.
Verify your address in the SSA portal—if it’s out of date, a check could have been mailed to the wrong location.
Contact the SSA within 30 days of the scheduled date. Their toll‑free number, 1‑800‑772‑1213, is open 24/7.

If you’re experiencing a delay, the SSA typically processes a refund or resend within 7–10 business days once the issue is identified.

Keeping Your Budget on Track

The two‑check schedule can be an advantage if you’re managing a tight budget. Knowing that your money arrives on September 5 and September 20 lets you plan large purchases, pay rent, or cover bills in advance. Many recipients use the first check to cover immediate expenses and reserve the second for discretionary spending or savings.

For those who rely on a single monthly payment—like SSI recipients—budgeting may require a different approach, such as building a small emergency reserve from the first half of the month.

Where to Find More Information

SSA Official Payment Schedule – https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/payment-schedule.html
Direct Deposit – https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/directdeposit.html
Contact SSA – 1‑800‑772‑1213
Disability Benefits – https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/

The SSA also publishes a quarterly “Social Security Summary” that highlights changes, new rules, and upcoming dates. If you’re a retiree or beneficiary, it’s worth a quick skim each year.

Bottom Line

For September 2024, expect two Social‑Security payments on September 5 and September 20—both business days, with no holidays interfering. Confirm your payment dates online or through your bank, set up direct deposit if you haven’t already, and keep your budget aligned with the two‑check rhythm. If you ever miss a payment or notice a discrepancy, reach out to the SSA promptly. With a little planning, you can turn those check dates into a reliable part of your monthly financial routine.

Read the Full the-sun.com Article at:
[ https://www.the-sun.com/money/15036851/social-security-payment-schedule-september-two-checks/ ]

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