September Social Security payments: Key dates

Millions of Americans are about to receive their September Social Security payments this week, with the payment dates varying based on each beneficiary's birth month. The Social Security Administration typically sends out retirement benefits on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month. For September 2026, those payment dates are set for September 9, 16, and 23.

The schedule primarily applies to retired workers and their dependents who receive regular Social Security benefits, which are a crucial source of income for many households covering expenses like housing, food, utilities, and medical costs. Over 70 million people across the United States receive Social Security benefits, with retired workers and their dependents making up roughly 56 million of those recipients.

The average monthly benefit for a retired worker is around $2,084, although the amount varies depending on individual factors such as lifetime earnings and the age at which benefits began. SSI payments, which are distributed to eligible low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and those who are blind, were already issued on September 1. The average SSI payment is approximately $740 per month, with about 7.4 million people receiving this benefit.

Most Social Security payments are now made electronically through direct deposit, as the federal government moves away from paper checks. Less than 1% of beneficiaries still receive paper checks. The move to electronic payments is driven by both security and cost considerations. Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or returned undeliverable, making electronic payments a more secure and cost-effective option.

The Social Security Administration estimates that printing a single check costs about $3.07, making electronic payments significantly more economical.