Check Your Bank Account Today — Nearly $1,000 Available for Eligible Recipients

If you’ve checked your bank account today and spotted a deposit from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you’re not alone. Millions of Americans receive their monthly benefits like clockwork—and today marks the beginning of the SSA’s August payment round. But who’s getting paid today, how much are they getting, and what determines when you get yours? Let’s break it down.

Schedule

With around 70 million beneficiaries to manage, the SSA follows a strict monthly payment schedule. This helps ensure everyone knows when to expect their money and can plan their expenses accordingly.

Here’s how the payment calendar generally works:

Birth Date Range	Payment Date
1st–10th	2nd Wednesday of the month
11th–20th	3rd Wednesday of the month
21st–31st	4th Wednesday of the month

Now, if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or a combination of SSI and retirement benefits, your payment dates will differ:

• SSI only: Paid on the 1st of every month
• SSI + Retirement OR Retirement claimed before May 1997: Paid on the 3rd of every month

Amounts

So how much money are we talking about here? For August, if you’re receiving SSI, the SSA may have deposited your benefits today—especially if you’re only on SSI. Here’s a breakdown of the maximum monthly payments:

SSI Recipient Type	Maximum Monthly Payment
Individual	$943
Married Couple (both qualify)	$1,415

On top of that, SSI recipients will receive an extra payment this month. That’s because September 1 falls on Labor Day, a federal holiday. Instead of delaying the payment, the SSA moves it forward to August 29. So yes, SSI recipients are looking at two payments this month.

Eligibility

Not everyone qualifies for SSI. The SSA has a clear set of rules:

• Age: 65+
• Disability: Blind or another qualifying physical/mental condition
• Income:
  • Less than $1,971/month if single
  • Less than $2,915/month as a couple

If you meet these, you’re eligible for SSI. It’s that simple.

Bonuses

Some beneficiaries will receive much more than the typical $943. If you’re one of the lucky few getting $5,108 this month, you’ve done a few things right. This is the maximum monthly Social Security retirement benefit, but it’s not easy to qualify.

To receive this top-tier payment, you must:

1. Wait until age 70 to start collecting benefits
2. Work for at least 35 years
3. Earn maximum taxable earnings during those years
4. Collect 40 work credits (usually earned over 10 years)

If you claimed benefits early (as early as 62), your checks are significantly smaller. Delaying until 70 really pays off—literally.

Strategy

So what’s the takeaway? The SSA has a fixed system, but knowing the rules helps you make better financial choices. If you’re still working, waiting to claim your benefits could mean thousands more per year down the road. If you’re already retired, knowing the schedule can help you stay on top of your finances—and avoid surprises.

And if you’re on SSI, enjoy the double dip this month.

FAQs