Timing is everything, and the arrival time of your monthly payment from Social Security can be key to keeping your financial house in order.
As you budget to pay your bills and save for future needs, keep in mind that your monthly retirement or disability benefit will be paid at the same time each month. To see your next payment date, create or log on to your my Social Security online account and go to the “Benefits & Payments” section.
In general, here’s how we assign payment dates:
- If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of the month, you’ll be paid on the second Wednesday of the month;
- If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month, you’ll be paid on the third Wednesday of the month; and
- If you were born after the 20th of the month, you’ll be paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
There are exceptions. For example, children and spouses who receive benefits based on someone else’s work record will be paid on the same day as the primary beneficiary.
For others, we may issue your payments on the 3rd of each month. Among other reasons, we do this if:
- You filed for benefits before May 1, 1997;
- You also receive a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment;
- Your Medicare premiums are paid for by the state where you live; or
- You live in a foreign country.
Individuals who receive SSI payments due to disability, age, or blindness receive those payments on the 1st of each month.
If your payment date falls on a federal holiday or weekend, you can expect to receive that month’s payment on the weekday immediately prior.
You can see a current schedule for Social Security and SSI benefit payments in an easy-to-read calendar.
Social Security is with you through life’s journey, helping you to secure today and tomorrow through important financial benefits, information, and planning tools. To learn more, please visit our website.
I have just recently applied for Social Security benefits. My birthday is in September. When I looked at my account it states that I will receive my first check in November. Why would I not receive it in October?
Hi Gloria, thanks for using our blog. You must be 62 throughout the first month of retirement which typically means you must be 62 plus 1 month. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your benefits begin with the month of October, you will receive your first benefit payment in November. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. For future pay days, you may find the Schedule of Social Security Payments calendars useful.
I started my application for SS benefits 3 April 2020.
I completed and submitted the application on 13 July 2020.
I am requesting payments to begin on my 62 birthday 03 July 2020.
Anticipating 3-4 month processing, are
my payments retroactive starting Aug 2020? Do I get get paid from July 3rd?
Hi Percy, thanks for using our blog. You must be 62 throughout the first month of retirement which typically means you must be 62 plus 1 month. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your benefits begin with the month of August, you will receive your first benefit payment in September. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. For future pay days, you may find the Schedule of Social Security Payments calendars useful.
IF I want payments to start January 2021 when do I apply and is there a section on application to put Jan 2021? I will turn 65 October 2020.
Hi Donald, thanks for using our blog. You can apply four months before you want your Social Security retirement benefits to start. If you’ll turn 65 within three months, you can use our online application to apply for Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits at the same time.
Check out our Retirement Benefits Planner for additional details.