Social Security is issuing checks on Friday, Aug. 1 – and some people are getting two payments: find out who

Social Security is an economic support for millions of senior citizens, disabled people, and other eligible beneficiaries living in the US. This system brings stability and security to their lives, especially when their income is limited or not at all.

Now an important news is coming out – Social Security is issuing two payments on August 1, 2025, and some people are going to get not one, but two checks.

So let’s understand in detail in this article what this dual payment plan is, who is eligible for it and why this change is being made.

Social Security Payment: Understand the Basics

Social security benefits are payments accorded to the citizens in the US by the government on a monthly basis after retiring, disability or passing on of a loved one. Payments are given at a fixed date monthly and they are not normally delayed or altered.

Why is there a double payment on August 1?

This year, the August calendar is set up in such a way that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is having to issue supplemental payments to some people in addition to their regular payments on August 1. The main reasons behind this are:

Payment schedule overlap – Some beneficiaries receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security. SSI usually comes on the first of the month, but if this date falls on a weekend or holiday, SSA sends the payment a day earlier or later.

Calendar adjustment – When the first day of a month falls on a holiday or Saturday/Sunday, SSA sends the payment a business day earlier. For this reason, some beneficiaries will receive two payments in August – one as part of the adjustment for the previous month and the other as the regular August payment.

Who will get two Social Security checks?

People who receive both SSI and Social Security – If you are a beneficiary of Supplemental Security Income and also receive Social Security Disability or Retirement benefits, you may receive two separate checks on August 1.

People who fall in the first week of the payment schedule – SSA’s payment schedule is usually based on a person’s date of birth. Some people receive a Social Security check on the first Wednesday of the month, and if this date falls around August 1, they may receive an additional payment.

People whose previous payment was rescheduled – If for some reason the July SSI payment has been shifted to August 1, then you may receive two checks in August – one for July and one for August.

What does it mean to receive two checks?

If you receive two payments in August, it does not mean that your income has doubled. Rather, SSA has only shifted the date of the next payment earlier. For example:

If you received your July SSI payment on August 1, the next SSI payment will come on September 1.

You are currently receiving two payments, but next month you will receive only one payment.

So you should consider this double payment as next month’s income and spend it wisely.

Things to note

SSA never releases surprise bonuses or irregular amounts without notice.

If you have received two checks, check which month they are for by visiting the SSA website or your beneficiary account.

Beware of fake calls or emails – SSA will not ask you to share bank details over the phone or email.

SSI and Social Security – What is the difference?

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)	Social Security (Retirement/Disability)
Income-based benefit	Benefit based on income and work history
For those aged 65+, blind, or disabled	For retired or disabled workers
Paid from federal general funds	Paid from the Social Security Trust Fund
Paid on the 1st of each month	Paid based on date of birth schedule

What to do if you don’t receive two payments?

If you think you should have received two checks but only received one, you can take the following steps:

• Login to SSA’s official website ssa.gov and view payment history.
• Check your bank statement or direct deposit details.
• Call SSA’s toll-free number 1-800-772-1213.
• Or contact your local Social Security office.

Will receiving two checks affect taxes?

Generally, Social Security is not taxed unless your total income is above a certain limit. If you receive two checks in a month, it may affect your total annual income, but it depends on:

What is your filing status (single, married, etc.)

• What are your other income sources
• Have you received any other benefits along with Social Security?
• Your tax professional can provide better guidance on this.

Conclusion

That double cheque on August 1 may seem like a bonus, but it is the result of future payments being paid in advance. So, it is important to plan for it.

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