In October 2025, the key Social Security changes include a double SSI payment due to the November 1 date falling on a weekend, resulting in payments on October 1 and October 31. Paper checks have been discontinued as of September 30, requiring all beneficiaries to receive payments via direct deposit or Direct Express card.
Retirement benefits follow the regular staggered schedule based on birthdate, with payments on October 3, 8, 15, or 22. The Social Security Administration is set to announce the 2026 COLA increase, projected at 2.7%, on October 15, which will affect benefits starting January 2026. Additionally, payments under the Social Security Fairness Act addressing WEP and GPO reductions are now being issued alongside regular benefits.
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Social Security Updates for October 2025
In October 2025, Social Security undergoes several important changes. Paper checks for benefits ended on September 30, so recipients now receive payments electronically via direct deposit or a prepaid debit card, improving payment security and speed. SSI recipients will receive 2 payments in October due to the usual November 1 payment date falling on a Saturday.
Regular Social Security retirement benefits continue to follow the usual staggered schedule based on birthdates throughout October. Additionally, the Social Security Administration is set to announce the 2026 COLA mid-October, expected to be around 2.7%, which will increase benefit amounts starting in January 2026. These updates mark a significant shift to fully electronic payments and a modest upcoming increase in benefits for millions of Americans.
The Social Security COLA is Expected To Increase in 2026
The Social Security COLA for 2026 is expected to increase by approximately 2.7%. This adjustment is designed to help Social Security benefits keep pace with inflation, providing beneficiaries with a modest boost in their monthly payments starting January 2026.
The COLA announcement is typically made in mid-October, and this increase will affect about 70 million Social Security recipients, including retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors. This adjustment helps maintain the purchasing power of benefits amid rising COL.
“Our continuous efforts to guarantee that beneficiaries’ payments remain in line with inflation and preserve their purchasing power are reflected in the upcoming COLA.”- Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of SSA
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Social Security COLA 2026 Increase Announcement Date: Here’s What You Need to Know!
What This News Means For You
The expected 2.7% Social Security COLA increase in 2026 means higher monthly benefit payments starting in January, which helps your benefits keep up with rising living costs like food, housing, and healthcare. If you receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you can expect a modest boost in your income, providing more financial stability and purchasing power throughout the year. It is important to plan your budget with this increase in mind, as it reflects changes in inflation that directly affect everyday expenses.
“For millions of Americans who depend on Social Security payments, the projected 2.7% COLA rise in 2026 will be a vital source of support as they attempt to keep up with rising living costs.”- Martin Walsh, U.S. Secretary of Labor
Paper Social Security Checks Have Ended
As of September 30, 2025, SSA has fully phased out paper checks for Social Security payments. This means no more benefit payments will be issued as physical checks mailed to recipients. Instead, all beneficiaries must receive their monthly Social Security payments electronically through one of two secure methods: direct deposit into a bank account or via the Direct Express prepaid debit card program.
The transition to electronic payments aims to improve the safety, reliability, and speed of delivering benefits. Paper checks were susceptible to delays, loss, theft, and fraud. Electronic payments help minimize these risks by directly depositing funds into recipients’ accounts on scheduled payment dates.
The SSA has communicated these changes well in advance, working with recipients to ensure they have signed up for direct deposit or obtained a Direct Express card before the deadline. Failure to transition to electronic payments may result in interrupted or delayed benefit receipt.
“A crucial step in protecting the advantages enjoyed by millions of Americans is switching to electronic payments. It lowers the risks associated with paper checks and guarantees prompt, safe money transmission.”- Andrew Saul, former Commissioner of SSA
What This News Means For You
This means you will no longer receive paper checks for Social Security benefits. Instead, your payments will be deposited directly into your bank account or loaded onto a prepaid debit card, making it safer and faster to access your funds.
To avoid any delays, make sure your direct deposit or debit card information is current with the Social Security Administration. This transition helps protect your benefits from theft or loss and ensures timely access each month.
“Social Security benefits will no longer be paid out on paper checks as of September 30, 2025. To improve security and efficiency for our beneficiaries, all payments will be processed online.”- SSA’s official communication
SSI Double Payment in October
In October 2025, SSI recipients will receive 2 payments due to the regular November 1 payment date falling on a Saturday. As a result, the October payment is made on October 1 as usual, and the November payment is issued early on October 31. This means beneficiaries receive two SSI payments within October but will not receive a payment in November. This
| Payment Type | Amount | Payment Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| SSI Individual | Approximately $914 | 2 payments: October 1 and October 31 |
| SSI Couple | Approximately $1,371 | 2 payments: October 1 and October 31 |
FAQ’s
Have paper Social Security checks ended?
Yes, paper checks ended on September 30, 2025 and payments are now made electronically via direct deposit or the Direct Express prepaid debit card.
Can I opt out of electronic payments and go back to paper checks?
No, paper checks have been permanently discontinued. Electronic payments are now mandatory for all beneficiaries.
How much will my Social Security benefits increase in 2026?
The 2026 COLA is expected to increase benefits by about 2.7%, helping payments keep pace with inflation starting January 2026.
Do the new Social Security Fairness Act payments affect me?
If you are a retired public worker or survivor affected by WEP or GPO, you may receive additional payments starting October 2025.