General

What Day of the Month Do I Get my Social Security Payment?

June 6, 2019 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

" "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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

We’re 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.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Comments

  1. DOUGLAS M.

    YOUR CALENDAR FOR 2020 IS NOT YET POSTED!!
    PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CALENDAR!!!!!

  2. LARRY B.

    Exact what day of the month do i get my check

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Larry. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  3. WILBERT J.

    If I was born on 21 November 1954, I will reach my full social security age of 66 on 21 November 2020. If I want my benefits start at my full social security age, what date will I receive my first payment. From your previous pasted and quoted response to others: HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOUR BENEFITS ARE DUE?

    “Benefits are paid the month after they are due. Let us explain. If you are eligible to receive your benefits beginning in the month of November, you will receive your first benefit payment in December. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth.”

    It is either the 4th Wednesday of December 2020 or the 4th Wednesday of January 2021. The 4th Wednesday of December 2020 would be a few days over one month past my 66th BD and the 4th Wednesday of January 2021 would be a little over 2 months past my 66th BD. I have received those two different dates from a social security office agent. I am obviously planning ahead by asking this question often especially after getting two different responses from social security. The average American Senior citizen is not stupid, just tired of not receiving specific and consistent answers to simple questions.

  4. WILBERT J.

    If my full retirement age of 66 years old is on 23 November in 2020 and I file my application online or at the social security office 3 months prior for my benefits to become effective after reaching my full retirement age, what date will I receive my first direct deposit payment into my bank account?

    Will it be on the 4th Wednesday of December 2020 or the 4th Wednesday of January 2021?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Wilbert. Thanks for your question. Benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of November, you will receive your first benefit payment in December. We hope this helps.

  5. Patricia C.

    I just wanted the new payment calendar for 2020. This was hard to find any calendar. Thank you for asking .

    • Luis A.

      Hi Patricia. You may find the Social Security benefits payment schedule for 2020 here. We hope this helps.

  6. Hubert

    What is my January payment of my SSN on the day 13 ? *** – ** – ***

  7. Hubert A.

    What is my January payment of my SSN on the day 13 ?

  8. Brenda D.

    Calendar for 2020

  9. James R.

    when will the 2020 benefit calendar be out

  10. Michael J.

    How long after does it take to receive my third back payment when it’s already being processed how many days after that

    • Luis A.

      Hi Michael. Please note that for your security, we do not have access to your personal information in this forum. For specific questions about your account, please call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

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