Who will receive Social Security payments this week on October 22

Social Security Payments Transitioning to Paperless System

This week marks the distribution of the third round of Social Security payments for October. What’s notable is that it’s the first month operating under the new paperless policy introduced by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Beginning this October, the majority of recipients are now required to set up direct deposit to their bank accounts or utilize a Direct Express card for their payments.

This shift from paper checks to electronic payments was set in motion by an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump back in March, which mandated the end of paper check distributions. There was a compliance deadline of September 30.

Here’s what you should know about the Social Security payments going out this week.

When Are Payments Sent?

Typically, Social Security benefits are issued on Wednesdays, primarily to elderly or retired individuals. For those whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th, payments are generally made on the second Wednesday of the payment month. This is according to the SSA calendar. If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, you’ll be paid on the third Wednesday, while those born after the 20th can expect their payments on the fourth Wednesday.

It’s worth noting that anyone who received Social Security benefits prior to May 1997 is eligible for payments on the third day of the month, not accounting for weekends or holidays.

For those receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Social Security payments are issued on the 3rd of the month, while SSI payments are distributed on the 1st.

October SSI Payment Schedule and Beyond

Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will now get their checks on the first business day of the month, which for October is set for October 1, 2025.