The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that millions of Americans will receive their scheduled Social Security payments on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, even as the government shutdown remains in effect. In a statement released on Friday, October 17, the agency reassured beneficiaries that payments would proceed without disruption.
This confirmation is critical for recipients of the SSA’s Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) program, which covers retired workers, individuals with disabilities, and families of deceased workers. These payments, issued monthly, are a financial lifeline for nearly 70 million Americans.
Who Will Receive Their Payment on October 22?
Social Security benefits are distributed on a staggered schedule based on birth date. Payments are made on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on when the recipient—or the worker on whose record the benefits are based—was born. For October 2025, the SSA payment schedule is as follows:
- October 8: Birthdays from the 1st to the 10th
- October 15: Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th
- October 22: Birthdays from the 21st to the 31st
So, on October 22, individuals whose birthdays fall between the 21st and 31st of any month will receive their Social Security benefits, including retirement payments, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor benefits.
As noted by Marca, the SSA also clarified that those who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 are paid earlier than others, regardless of their birth date. These recipients already received their checks on Friday, October 3. In addition, dual beneficiaries—people who receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security—also received their SSI payment on October 1, followed by the regular Social Security benefit on October 3.
What About SSI Payments and Early Beneficiaries?
The SSA issues SSI payments—which are designed for low-income individuals over 65 or those with disabilities—on the first day of the month. For October, these payments went out on Wednesday, October 1.
Approximately 2.5 million Americans receive both SSI and another Social Security benefit. In these cases, payments are split: SSI is deposited at the start of the month, and the SSA benefit follows a couple of days later. This system ensures that the financial support arrives in manageable intervals rather than all at once.
Those receiving only SSI have no additional payments coming this month. Only recipients of SSA benefits based on birth date will receive their payments on October 22.
SSA’s Broader Role and Shutdown Impact
The Social Security Administration continues to operate key services throughout the government shutdown. Although some federal agencies have reduced operations, the SSA remains funded and functional, ensuring that all scheduled payments are delivered.
Importantly, the SSA doesn’t just handle benefits. It also plays a key administrative role, such as assigning Social Security numbers to all individuals residing in the United States. Despite the ongoing shutdown, these core services remain active.
While there may be minor disruptions in local offices or delays in non-essential services, the distribution of Social Security payments is unaffected. The agency’s infrastructure and funding allow it to operate even during periods of government inaction.
For recipients, the takeaway is simple: if your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, and you’re eligible for retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits, your Social Security check will arrive on Wednesday, October 22. For those receiving payments outside this date range, benefits have already been issued or will arrive according to the SSA’s regular payment calendar.
