$2,000 Social Security payments: exact distribution dates in November 2025

As 2025 winds down, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing to issue the penultimate round of payments before the new, increased benefits roll out in 2026. As is customary each month, November’s disbursements will go out to retirees, survivors, and recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

According to the SSA’s official payment schedule:

• SSI benefits are distributed on the first day of each month.
• Social Security benefits for individuals who began receiving payments before May 1997 are sent on the third day of the month.
• For those who receive both SSI and regular Social Security, the former is paid on the first, and the latter on the third.

All other Social Security payments are issued on one of three Wednesdays in each month, based on the recipient’s birth date:

• Second Wednesday: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th
• Third Wednesday: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th
• Fourth Wednesday: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st

If a scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA moves the payment up to the nearest prior business day.

November 2025 Social Security payment schedule

Here’s how November’s payments will be distributed:

• Friday, October 31: SSI recipients
• Monday, November 3: Beneficiaries who started receiving payments before May 1997
• Wednesday, November 12: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th
• Wednesday, November 19: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th
• Wednesday, November 26: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st

Because November 1 falls on a Saturday, SSI payments for next month will be issued on Friday, October 31.

Average Social Security benefit in 2025

So far in 2025, the average monthly benefit for retired workers has hovered just above $2,000. However, the exact amount varies from person to person, as benefits are calculated based on individual earnings history and other factors.

Paper checks no longer an option

For years, Social Security and SSI benefits were available via direct deposit or traditional paper checks. However, as of September 30, the SSA has officially discontinued paper checks. Beneficiaries who were still receiving physical checks must now switch to electronic payment methods.

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