November’s Social Security Payments Won't Arrive as Usual - Here's Why

Social Security benefits make up a portion of most retirees' monthly budgets, helping them avoid exhausting their retirement savings too soon. But understanding the Social Security payment calendar can be a little tricky, especially for anyone receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Depending on the month, weekends and holidays can change the day you receive your payment, which can make budgeting harder than it should be.

This November is a prime example of how weekends can throw a wrench into your monthly budget. Keep reading to learn why SSI payments will arrive on a different day than usual this month and to get tips on November Social Security deposits.

Social Security payment dates vary some months

The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes millions of dollars per month. For the most part, beneficiary payment dates don't change: the SSA processes the same payments on the same day of the month, every month — at least, most of the time.

Since the SSA doesn't operate on weekends and federal holidays, it doesn't process payments on those days. Instead, it moves your payment up to the earliest day prior to the weekend or holiday. This errs on the side of getting you your benefit check a day or two early rather than a day or two late.

SSI payments for November will be different for some

SSI payments are made to disabled and/or blind individuals (regardless of age) and some elderly individuals whose income is well below average. Many, though not all, SSI beneficiaries also receive Social Security payments.

Typically, SSI beneficiaries get their SSI payment on the first day of the month. However, in 2025, Nov. 1 falls on a Saturday. This means SSI recipients will see their typical check a day early on Oct. 31.

When the rest of November payments arrive

SSI recipients are the only beneficiaries with a strange payment date this month. Everyone else can look forward to receiving their typical payment on the same day they usually do.

Need a refresher? Here's how the schedule breaks down:

• Nov. 3: SSI recipients, as well as anyone who retired and took Social Security benefits before May 1997, will receive their Social Security check on this day.
• Nov. 12: Social Security beneficiaries born on the first through 10th day of their birth month will be paid on the second Wednesday of the month.
• Nov. 19: Social Security beneficiaries born on the 11th through 20th day of their birth month will be paid on the third Wednesday of the month.
• Nov. 26: Social Security beneficiaries born on the 21st through 31st day of their birth month will be paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

What to do if your payment doesn't arrive on time

Checking your bank account on your typical payment date and not seeing your usual check can be panic-inducing. Before you spiral, though, take the following steps. The issue might not be as hard to resolve as you think.

Check the holiday/weekend schedule

Are you sure your typical payment date didn't fall on a weekend or holiday? Look up the SSA's payment calendar to double-check the date. This month may simply be a little different than usual.

Check with your bank

Your bank could simply be taking longer to process payments than usual this month, especially if a weekend or holiday changed your payment date (after all, banks are closed on those days too). Once they reopen, contact your bank to ask about pending transactions or delays.

Make sure your direct deposit information is updated

The SSA can't pay you on time if it doesn't have the right payment information for you. Log on to your mySocial Security account and verify that the direct deposit information online matches your bank account number.

Verify your information is correct in your online Social Security account

Many factors can delay receiving your payment. Along with direct deposit information, check the address and contact information saved to your mySocial Security account. If you've moved recently, the SSA might not be able to deposit your check until you correct your online info (even if your direct deposit information hasn't changed since the move).

Contact the SSA

Once three business days have gone by and there's still no sign of your check, it's time to reach out to the SSA directly. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY at 1-800-325-0778) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays. You can also look up your local Social Security office on the SSA's website.

Note that the SSA is reducing its staff, so you might have a longer-than-usual wait time if you visit an office, and you can also expect more in-person identity checks. These are just a few changes the Trump administration has made to the Social Security Administration.

How much is the average monthly Social Security payment?

According to the most recent data available (August of this year), the average Social Security beneficiary receives $1,864.87 per month.

How to maximize your Social Security benefits

Whether you receive more or less than the average beneficiary, you can take steps to stretch your benefit dollar further:

• Take advantage of senior discounts like grocery store discount days or lower national park fees for retirees.
• Consider finding part-time work to supplement your Social Security benefit (yes, it's possible to work while receiving benefits).
• Think about renting out a room to get help with mortgage payments.

Bottom line

According to CNB Bank & Trust, retirees spend around $5,000 per month. That means supplementing your benefits check with strategic withdrawals from a retirement fund is a smart money move for seniors.

If you're worried you don't have enough saved or if you're not sure how to start, schedule an appointment with a financial advisor or retirement planner.