If you rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or veterans’ benefits to keep your household running, timely payments aren’t just convenient—they’re essential.

When checks are delayed, it’s more than an inconvenience. It’s rent. It’s groceries. It’s peace of mind.

So what’s causing the latest round of payment changes? Why are they happening now, and how can you plan ahead?

Why your payment schedule matters​

For millions of Americans, benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are a monthly lifeline. These agencies have built reputations for dependable, predictable payment cycles—because people count on them to pay bills, buy food, and stay afloat.

But even a well-oiled system isn’t immune to calendar quirks.

Why payments get delayed​

Most delays aren’t random. They’re usually the result of federal holidays, weekends, or calendar overlaps that shift the standard payment dates.

The SSA and VA try to announce these changes in advance, but if you’re used to seeing your deposit land on the same day each month, it’s easy to be caught off guard.

How SSA and SSI payment timing works​

If you receive Social Security based on work history, your payment date depends on your birthday:

• Before May 1997: Payments arrive on the 3rd of each month.
• After May 1997:
  • Birthdays 1st–10th: 2nd Wednesday
  • Birthdays 11th–20th: 3rd Wednesday
  • Birthdays 21st–31st: 4th Wednesday

SSI payments are usually issued on the 1st of each month, unless that date lands on a weekend or holiday. In those cases, the SSA sends the payment early, typically the last business day before the 1st.

You may occasionally get two payments in one month—but remember, that second check isn’t a bonus. It’s just the next month’s payment coming early.

The new 2025 payment schedule​

Here are the updated SSI and VA payment dates for the rest of 2025. These changes account for holidays and weekends—so mark your calendar now.

SSI Payment Dates (2025)​

• May: May 1
• June: May 30 (early due to weekend)
• July: July 1
• August: August 1
• September: August 29 (early due to Labor Day)
• October: October 1
• November: October 31 (early due to weekend)
• December: December 1
• January 2026: December 31 (early due to New Year’s Day)

Also read: No SSI payment in June? The simple reason has to do with the calendar

VA Disability Payment Dates (2025)​

• June: July 1
• July: August 1
• August: August 29 (early due to Labor Day)
• September: October 1
• October: October 31 (early due to weekend)
• November: December 1
• December: December 31 (early due to New Year’s Day)

Also read: Check your calendar: Your SSI payments will drop on these dates

A quick refresher: What these benefits actually mean​

SSI helps seniors and individuals with disabilities who have little or no income. VA disability payments go to veterans with service-connected injuries or conditions. These payments are tax-free and based on your disability rating, which ranges from 10% to 100%.

Even a small increase in your rating could significantly boost your monthly check. And if you’re a surviving spouse, parent, or child of a disabled veteran, you may also qualify for support.

For many recipients, a day or two delay can throw off the entire month’s finances. Automatic payments can bounce, late fees can pile up, and stress skyrockets. Planning ahead is your best defense.

Read next: You spoke, they listened–Social Security revises policy following public pushback
Have you missed a check? Found a helpful workaround? Share your story in the comments—your experience could help someone else manage the stress of a late payment.