July 2025 is bringing in a wave of Social Security payments for millions of beneficiaries, with the first round already sent out and three more batches on the way. Whether you’re receiving retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, your payment date depends on when you were born or when you first began receiving benefits. Some exceptions apply, especially for those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or who have been collecting benefits since before May 1997.
This month also marks an important change on the horizon — paper checks will soon be phased out. Beginning September 30, 2025, all Social Security payments will be made digitally. This move is intended to cut costs and improve security, though certain individuals may still qualify for exceptions. Meanwhile, if your payment doesn’t arrive on time, the Social Security Administration recommends a few steps to help you resolve the issue.
Social Security Payments for July 2025: What to Expect
If you’re relying on Social Security income, it’s important to know when your check will arrive. For July, payments are being distributed in four rounds. One round has already been processed, and the remaining payments will roll out weekly throughout the month.
Your payment date is mainly based on your birthday:
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, your check is sent on the second Wednesday.
Birthdays between the 11th and 20th mean you’ll get paid on the third Wednesday.
If your birthday is from the 21st to the end of the month, expect your payment on the fourth Wednesday.
However, there’s an important exception to this schedule.
Special Rules for Older Beneficiaries and SSI Recipients
If you’ve been receiving Social Security benefits since before May 1997, or if you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payments don’t follow the birthday-based schedule.
SSI payments are always sent on the 1st of each month.
Social Security payments for these groups are typically sent on the 3rd of each month.
That said, if the 1st or 3rd lands on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment might arrive a bit earlier. For instance, if a scheduled date falls on a Sunday, the money might show up on the Friday before.
Paper Checks Ending Soon: All Payments to Go Digital
Starting September 30, 2025, the Social Security Administration will stop sending paper checks altogether. This change comes after an executive order that aims to modernize federal payment systems and reduce expenses.
The reason? Most beneficiaries already use direct deposit — over 68 million payments are processed this way each month, compared to just under half a million mailed checks. Going digital also helps reduce fraud and delays caused by mail disruptions.
Though most people will need to switch to digital options — like direct deposit, prepaid debit cards, or digital wallets — some exceptions will still be available for individuals with specific needs or circumstances.
What to Do If Your Check Doesn’t Arrive
If your Social Security payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, don’t panic right away. The SSA advises waiting three additional mailing days before taking action.
After that:
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. For quicker service, try calling in the morning, mid-week, or near the end of the month.
If phone service is delayed, you can use the SSA’s office locator tool on their website to find your nearest Social Security office.
