(NEXSTAR) — Halloween enthusiasts and fans of trick-or-treating have a special treat this October as Halloween lands on a Friday, creating a perfect opportunity for a weekend filled with spooky events. For some, this Friday will be particularly notable, and for good reason.
October marks the last three-payday month of 2025, giving some workers a “bonus” payment for the first time since May.
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Most employees who earn weekly wages can expect an additional paycheck this month, with five paydays instead of the usual four. However, not every individual receiving bi-weekly payments will share this experience.
Here’s how to know if you’ll receive an extra paycheck in October, and if not, when your next three-payday month will happen.
Will I get a third paycheck in October?
The easiest way to determine this is to wait until Friday. If your paycheck arrives, you can anticipate two more paydays (or four, if you’re receiving weekly payments) before October concludes.
If patience isn’t your strong suit, reflect on when you last received your paycheck. If it was this past Friday, then a month with three paydays won’t occur for you until 2026. On the contrary, if you weren’t paid on Friday, September 26, you can expect an “extra” paycheck this month.
When is my next three-payday month?
This depends on how many times you’re paid in October.
Those who receive only two bi-weekly checks have to wait until January 2026 for their next three-payday month.
If you do get an extra payment in October, your next bonus pay month is May 2026.
For those paid weekly, you’ll receive an additional payment in both months.
What causes triple-payday months?
Our calendar doesn’t divide neatly into the 52 weeks that constitute a year, hence some months stretch into weeks with five seven-day periods rather than just four.
That ultimately gives way to two months in which you, as a worker paid bi-weekly, get three paychecks.
In 2026, the months with “extra” paychecks are January, May, July, and October.
Financial advisors caution that these additional paychecks aren’t truly “extra.” Instead, consider them as an expected portion of your annual income.
