There’s been a lot of chatter lately about a new PIN requirement from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Starting August 18, 2025, SSA will introduce a Security Authentication PIN (SAP)—but don’t worry, it’s optional. The goal is to make phone calls more secure and faster. But what does it mean for you? Will you need it just to check your payments or update your info?
Let’s break down everything you need to know, including payment dates, benefit amounts, eligibility, and what this new PIN is all about.
PIN
From August 18 onward, SSA is offering a Security Authentication PIN that recipients can use when calling the main SSA number (1-800-772-1213). It’s meant to verify your identity faster instead of asking security questions.
You can get the PIN through your online my Social Security account. If you don’t have internet or aren’t tech-savvy, no stress—you can still call SSA the same way you always have. The PIN is just an extra tool, not a requirement.
SSA initially considered making it mandatory but rolled it back after hearing concerns, especially from older Americans or those in rural areas. Now, it’s optional.
Payments
Now let’s talk about what really matters—your money.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, August is a double payday month. You’ll receive:
- First payment: Friday, August 1 (your usual monthly payment)
- Second payment: Friday, August 29 (advance September payment due to Labor Day)
This is because September 1 is a holiday, so the SSA pays early. That means no payment in September.
Other Social Security payments—like retirement, disability, or survivors’ benefits—are based on your birth date:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | August 13 (2nd Wed) |
| 11th–20th | August 20 (3rd Wed) |
| 21st–31st | August 27 (4th Wed) |
If you started receiving benefits before May 1997 or live overseas, your payment will be sent earlier—on Friday, August 2 (since August 3 falls on a weekend).
Amounts
How much can you expect? Thanks to the 2.5% COLA increase earlier this year, your benefit is a bit higher.
For SSI, the monthly maximum is:
| Recipient Type | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Individual | $967 |
| Married Couple | $1,450 |
| Essential Person | $484 |
So, in August, a single person may receive $1,934 total ($967 + $967) and couples could get $2,900.
Eligibility
To qualify for SSI, you must:
- Be 65 or older or disabled
- Have limited income and assets
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
- Not be in jail or a government-funded care home
Income limits include around $2,019/month from work and $2,000 in assets for individuals, or $3,000 for couples.
For Social Security retirement, disability, or survivors’ benefits, you qualify by working and paying into Social Security. Generally, that means 10 years of work, though disability benefits require a medical condition lasting 12 months or more.
Problems
If your payment is late, give it a few days—especially with the second payment on August 29. Banks can be slow, or the check might take extra time in the mail.
Still missing it after a week? Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.
Also, watch for overpayment letters. SSA began recovering previous overpayments in July 2025, sometimes withholding up to half your check. If you believe it’s wrong, you can appeal or request a lower deduction.
Tech
SSA says the new PIN could help fight fraud and cut down on call wait times, but it’s completely optional. If you’re comfortable answering identity questions when you call, you don’t need to change anything. But if you like the idea of quicker access, you can create your PIN online at ssa.gov.
SSA may evaluate how this PIN system works in September, so more updates could be on the way.
August 2025 brings a bit of change and a couple of bonus checks for SSI recipients. Between the optional PIN system and the doubled-up payments, now’s a good time to double-check your account info, payment dates, and eligibility. If you want the PIN, grab it through your SSA account—but if not, carry on like usual.
FAQs
Do I need the SSA PIN to get paid?
No, the PIN is optional and not required for payments.
Why are there two SSI payments in August?
The second is an early payment for September due to Labor Day.
When will I get my Social Security in August?
It depends on your birthday—on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday.
What if I miss my August payment?
Wait a few days, then contact SSA if it’s still missing.
Can I skip the PIN and call SSA normally?
Yes, you can still call SSA and answer security questions.
