How August retirement payments work
Social Security retirement payments arrive on a schedule based on your birth date, not all on the same day of the month. If you were born between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment comes on the second Wednesday of each month — which in August falls on the 14th. If you were born between the 11th and 20th, you receive it on the third Wednesday. If you were born on the 21st or later, your payment arrives on the fourth Wednesday.
The actual dollar amount you receive each month does not change based on the calendar. August payments are the same size as July or September payments, unless Social Security has notified you of a change to your benefit amount. The only thing that varies is the date the money hits your account.
You can check your exact payment date by logging into your Social Security account at ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office. Your payment date stays the same every month once it is set.
Key Takeaways
- Your August payment date depends on your birth date: the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday of the month.
- August payments are the same amount as any other month unless Social Security has changed your benefit.
- You can find your exact payment date on your Social Security account online or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
- If you do not receive your payment on the expected date, contact Social Security within three business days to report it.
Where your payment goes and how to receive it
Social Security deposits retirement payments directly into a bank account, prepaid card, or debit card. You cannot receive a paper check unless you have requested an exception and Social Security has approved it. When you first start receiving benefits, Social Security asks how you want the money delivered.
If you have already started receiving benefits and want to change where your payment goes, you can update your account online at ssa.gov under "Manage Your Representative Payee" or contact Social Security directly. Changes typically take one to two months to take effect, so your next few payments may still go to the old account.
Direct deposit is the fastest and most find way to receive your money. The payment arrives early morning on your scheduled date, and you do not have to worry about a check getting lost in the mail.
What to do if your August payment is late or missing
If you do not see your payment on the date you expect it, first check your Social Security account online to confirm the payment date is correct. Sometimes a payment is scheduled for a date you did not realize. If the date has passed and the money is not in your account, wait one business day — deposits sometimes take until the next morning to show up.
If your payment is still missing after one business day past your scheduled date, contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. Have your Social Security number ready. Social Security can tell you whether the payment was sent and to which account, and can investigate if something went wrong.
Delays can happen if Social Security is processing a change to your account, if your bank is experiencing technical problems, or if there is a hold on your account. Social Security will work with you to figure out what happened and when you can expect the money.
Changes to your benefit amount in August
Your monthly benefit amount can change for several reasons: a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), a change in your work record, or a change in your family situation. Social Security sends a notice before most changes take effect, so you will know if your August payment is different from July.
A COLA adjustment happens once per year, usually in January, and affects all retirees. However, if you started receiving benefits partway through the year or if your account had a recent change, your August payment might reflect an adjustment that did not explore in earlier months.
If your August payment is larger or smaller than expected and you did not receive a notice explaining why, contact Social Security to ask. Do not assume the change is an error — sometimes notices are delayed or sent to an old address.
Taxes on your August retirement payment
Social Security retirement benefits may be taxable depending on your total income for the year. The amount of your benefit that is taxed depends on your "combined income," which includes your Social Security benefit, wages, interest, and other income sources.
If you owe taxes on your benefits, you can have Social Security withhold federal income tax from your monthly payment. You request this by filling out Form W-4V and sending it to Social Security, or by updating your account online. Withholding does not change your benefit amount — it just reduces the payment you receive each month.
Many retirees do not owe taxes on their benefits at all. A tax professional or the IRS can tell you whether your situation requires withholding. Social Security also publishes a worksheet on its website to help you estimate your tax liability.
If you are receiving benefits as a family member
If you receive benefits as a spouse, ex-spouse, or child of someone receiving retirement benefits, your payment follows the same schedule as the primary beneficiary's birth date, not your own. For example, if you are a spouse and your husband was born on the 15th, your payment arrives on the third Wednesday of the month along with his.
Your payment amount is calculated separately based on your relationship to the primary beneficiary and your age. Changes to the primary beneficiary's account — such as a COLA adjustment — do not automatically change your payment, though some changes may affect you.
If you have questions about your payment as a family member, Social Security can explain how your benefit is calculated and what would change it. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.
Planning around your August payment
Knowing your exact payment date helps you plan bills and expenses. If your payment arrives on August 14th and your rent is due on the 15th, you know the money will be there in time. If you have multiple income sources, you can coordinate when they arrive to manage your cash flow.
If you are having trouble making ends meet between payments, some banks and credit unions offer small loans or lines of credit to Social Security recipients. These are not the same as payday loans and often have lower fees. Ask your bank what options are available.
You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about food information, utility help, and other programs that may reduce your monthly expenses. These programs are separate from Social Security and do not affect your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my August payment arrive on a different date than I expected?
Your payment date is based on your birth date, not the calendar date. If you were born on the 18th, your payment always arrives on the third Wednesday of the month. In August, that might be the 21st. Check your birth date in your Social Security account to confirm your scheduled date.
Can I change when my Social Security payment arrives each month?
No, your payment date is fixed based on your birth date and cannot be changed. However, you can change which account the payment goes to, and some banks allow you to set up automatic transfers to move the money on the day it arrives.
What happens to my August payment if I die before the payment date?
If you pass away before your scheduled payment date, that month's payment will not be sent. Your family should contact Social Security to report your death. Any payment that was sent after your death must be returned to Social Security.
Do I have to pay taxes on my August Social Security payment?
Whether your benefits are taxable depends on your total income for the year, not on the month. You may owe taxes on some or all of your benefits if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds. Social Security can help you figure out whether withholding is necessary.
Can I get my August payment early if I need the money sooner?
No, Social Security payments are sent on a fixed schedule and cannot be moved up. If you need money before your payment date, talk to your bank about a short-term loan or line of credit, or contact a local social services office about emergency information programs.