On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) timely distributed Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to nearly 7.5 million beneficiaries. However, while millions celebrated the arrival of their funds, a vulnerable group faced a different reality: more than 521,000 people who still rely on physical checks began an uncertain wait.
These beneficiaries—senior citizens, people with disabilities, and families with children living in extreme poverty—can experience delays of up to three business days due to limitations imposed by the US Postal Service (USPS). In cities like New York and Los Angeles, internal restructuring has extended these deadlines.
“The people who need these benefits most are also the most affected by any delay,” warns Susan Halberg, an analyst at the Center for Retirement Policy. “A day’s delay can mean going hungry.”
SSI paper check payments will be eliminated: how to transition to digital ways
The SSA has been promoting electronic methods for a decade. Since 2013, direct deposit has been mandatory for new beneficiaries, and today it covers 99% of payments. “Electronic funds always arrive on the first day, even on weekends,” emphasizes an SSA spokesperson. Those who are behind can change their funds through ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at local offices.
But patience is running out: a federal executive order establishes that starting September 30, 2025, paper checks will be eliminated, with limited exceptions. Those who insist on receiving them must request a waiver before that date. Experts fear that thousands, especially seniors in rural areas with limited banking access, will be left unprotected if they do not regularize their status.
A Postal System Under Pressure
The delays are no coincidence. The USPS is facing budget cuts and logistical problems impacting entire areas, and this affects the Social Security payments, from retirement and disability (SSDI) to SSI benefits. Beneficiaries in the Midwest reported waits of five days in June. The SSA recommends reporting lost checks after 10 business days, but the replacement process can take weeks.
Meanwhile, community organizations are redoubling their efforts. In Cleveland, volunteers are helping migrants open Direct Express card accounts. In Phoenix, senior centers are offering workshops on digital banking. “It’s a race against time,” admits María López, a social worker. “September will come quickly.”
2025 remaining payment schedule for SSI recipients
For the coming months, the SSA confirmed that payments will continue their regular distribution on the first business day of each month, with adjustments when the first falls on a weekend.
These payments for August 2025 will be issued on Friday, August 1, since that day falls on a weekday. For September 2025, SSI payments arrive on Monday, September 1. Moving forward, the October 2025 payments are on Wednesday, October 1.
In November 2025, because November 1 is a Saturday, the payment moves to the previous business day, Friday, October 31. Finally, Finally, December 2025 SSI payments are scheduled for Monday, December 1 and will see the payment for January 2026 issued on Wednesday 31.
