Ashley
October is a key month for Social Security and SSI beneficiaries.
In 2025, October 15 falls on the third Wednesday, which is a regular payday for many retirement and SSDI recipients.
It also marks the start of Medicare Open Enrollment, and it’s the window when the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for the upcoming year is typically announced.
While the COLA does not change your October deposit, decisions you make starting October 15 (like Medicare plan changes) can affect your net Social Security payment in January.
Who Is Paid On October 15?
If your birthday falls on the 11th–20th of your birth month, your October 2025 Social Security payment is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15. Other groups follow this standard schedule:
- Paid on the 3rd of the month: Those who filed before May 1997 or who receive both SSI and Social Security (October payment date: Friday, Oct 3).
- Paid on the second Wednesday: Birthdays 1–10 (October payment date: Wednesday, Oct 8).
- Paid on the third Wednesday: Birthdays 11–20 (October payment date: Wednesday, Oct 15).
- Paid on the fourth Wednesday: Birthdays 21–31 (October payment date: Wednesday, Oct 22).
SSI beneficiaries are paid on the first of the month, so October SSI arrives Wednesday, Oct 1.
Because November 1, 2025 is a Saturday, November’s SSI is paid early on Friday, Oct 31. This is an advance, not an extra payment.
How October 15 Could Affect Your Amount
Several factors around mid-October can change what you take home:
- Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7): If you change your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan during this period, your premiums may be different in the new year. Since premiums are often deducted from your Social Security benefit, your January 2026 net deposit can increase or decrease.
- COLA Announcement (Mid-October): The upcoming year’s COLA is typically announced in mid-October and applies to January benefits. Your October payment will not include the new COLA.
- Withholdings And Offsets: Your net deposit can be reduced by Medicare premiums, tax withholding, or overpayment recovery if applicable. If you see a lower amount, check recent notices and your online account.
October 2025 Payment Calendar At A Glance
| Date (2025) | Program | Who’s Paid / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 1 (Wed) | SSI | Regular October SSI payment. |
| Oct 3 (Fri) | Social Security | Those paid on the 3rd (filed before May 1997 or receiving both SSI & SS). |
| Oct 8 (Wed) | Social Security | Birthdays 1–10 (second Wednesday group). |
| Oct 15 (Wed) | Social Security | Birthdays 11–20 (third Wednesday group). Also the start of Medicare Open Enrollment. |
| Oct 22 (Wed) | Social Security | Birthdays 21–31 (fourth Wednesday group). |
| Oct 31 (Fri) | SSI (Early For Nov.) | November SSI paid early because Nov 1 is Saturday (not extra). |
What To Do If Your Payment Looks Different
- Review Deductions: Check Medicare premiums or any plan changes you make after October 15; they will impact January deposits.
- Check Notices: Look for messages about withholding, tax, or overpayment recovery. If needed, contact Social Security to discuss a repayment plan.
- Timing Issues: If your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, allow a few mailing days or check your bank’s posting times before escalating.
Key Takeaways
- October 15 is payday for the 11th–20th birthday group, the start of Medicare Open Enrollment, and the typical COLA announcement window.
- SSI lands on Oct 1, with November’s SSI paid early on Oct 31 due to the weekend.
- Your October amount won’t include the new COLA, but January may change due to COLA and any Medicare premium updates.
October 15 is a pivotal date for many Social Security recipients: it’s payday for the third-Wednesday group, the kickoff of Medicare Open Enrollment, and the typical window for the COLA announcement.
While your October amount won’t reflect the new COLA, choices you make during open enrollment and standard deductions can shape your January 2026 net benefit.
Keep an eye on the calendar, double-check deductions, and review any SSA notices so your benefits arrive exactly as expected.
FAQs
Who Gets Paid On October 15, 2025?
Beneficiaries whose birthdays are on the 11th–20th and who receive retirement or SSDI on the standard monthly schedule are paid Wednesday, Oct 15.
Is The Second SSI Payment In October Extra Money?
No. The Oct 31 deposit is November’s SSI paid early because Nov 1 is a Saturday. It’s an advance, not a bonus.
Will The New COLA Raise My October Payment?
No. The new COLA is typically announced in mid-October, but it starts with January benefits. Your October deposit won’t change because of COLA.