If you’re a Social Security recipient, you might have noticed something a little odd on your bank statement lately—or maybe you’re about to.

Thanks to a rare calendar quirk, some folks are getting a double dose of their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment, with a $967 check landing in their accounts not once but twice in a single month.

And guess what? This isn’t a one-time fluke because it is set to happen again later this year! Let’s break down what’s going on, why it matters, and how you can make the most of these “bonus” payments.



Why are some months double-paid?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a well-oiled machine, sending out payments to about 72.5 million Americans each month.

For those who qualify for SSI—roughly 7.5 million people, including seniors, people with disabilities, and children with eligible conditions—payments are typically scheduled for the first of every month.


But here’s the catch: If the first of the month falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the SSA sends out payments on the last business day of the previous month.

In some months, you might see two payments hit your account—one at the very end of the month and another at the start of the next.

SSI payments were issued on May 1, but since June 1 fell on a Sunday, June's payment was deposited on May 30.

The next SSI payment won’t arrive until Tuesday, July 1.



When will this happen again?

This isn’t just a one-off event. The same double-payment scenario will play out in these certain months in 2025:

• August: Because September 1 is Labor Day (a federal holiday), September’s SSI payment will be sent out on August 29.
• October: November 1 falls on a Saturday, so November’s payment will be issued on October 31.
• December: Since January 1, 2026, is New Year’s Day, the January SSI payment will be sent out on December 31, 2025.

What does this mean for your budget?

If you’re used to budgeting your SSI check to last the month, these double-payment months can be a blessing—or a budgeting challenge.

It’s important to remember that you’re not actually getting extra money; you’re just getting next month’s payment a little early.

You’ll need to stretch those funds until the next scheduled payment, which could be more than four weeks away.

Here are a few tips to help you manage:

• Plan Ahead: Mark your calendar with the months you’ll receive two payments, and remember that the second check is for the following month.
• Set Aside Funds: If possible, put the early payment into a separate account or envelope so you’re not tempted to spend it all at once.
• Review Your Expenses: Take a look at your monthly bills and make sure you have enough set aside to cover everything until the next payment arrives.

More insights: Transform your finances with this simple 75/15/10 rule—find out how to budget smarter now!

How much will you get?

For 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, thanks to the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announced each October.

Your actual payment may vary based on your income, living situation, and other factors.

When will you get your Social Security Retirement or Disability Payment?

If you receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits (not SSI), your payment date depends on your birthday:

• Born 1st–10th: Second Wednesday of the month (July 9, for example)
• Born 11th–20th: Third Wednesday (July 16)
• Born 21st–31st: Fourth Wednesday (July 23)

The SSA provides a handy payment calendar on its website, so you can always double-check your dates.



Read next: Social Security adjustment could hit 2.5% in 2026: Here’s what that means

What about the future of Social Security?

You may have heard some worrying headlines about the Social Security “trust fund” running low.

While it’s true that the program faces long-term funding challenges, there are steps you can take to maximize your benefits:

• Delay Retirement: If you can, waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security can boost your monthly check up to a maximum of $5,108 in 2025.
• Check for Extra Credits: Some recipients may be eligible for additional benefits, such as spousal or survivor benefits, or may be able to increase their payment by working a bit longer.

Don’t miss this: The $5,108 Social Security check: who qualifies and how?

Have you experienced one of these double-payment months before? How do you budget when you get two checks in one month and then have to wait a little longer for the next one? Do you have any tips or tricks for making your SSI or Social Security payments stretch further?