What Day of the Month Do I Get my Social Security Payment?
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast 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
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patrick A.
YOU answered nothing pertinent to my Question! MY Wife receives ss retirement starting in Oct. she will also receive ss spousal benifit. Are they both paid together or seperately ?
V.V.
Hi Patrick. If your spouse qualifies for benefits on her own record, we will pay that amount first. If the benefit on your record is higher, your spouse will get an additional amount on your record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount paid together. We hope this helps!
Robert N.
I called the bank and the phone tells me that my retirement check which is deposited on the 9th this month September 2020 – was already deposited on the 9th of September 2020
but it is not the 9th of September yet.
I’m not complaining but it doesn’t say that I have that money available in the bank right now so what’s up with that?
Floyd m.
Why do I get my social security retirement check on 12th of each month???
V.V.
Hi Floyd, thanks for using our blog. If you applied for Social Security benefits after April 30, 1997, the birthday of the person whose record you receive benefits under determines your payment date:
Date of Birth Payment Day:
1st through 10th Second Wednesday
11th through 20th Third Wednesday
21st through 31st Fourth Wednesday
Check out the Schedule of Social Security Payments for the current payment dates.
Codi M.
I haven’t received my Social Security 4th September 1st 2020 where is it what’s happening I’m very worried
V.V.
Hi Codi, thanks for using our blog. If you did not receive your Social Security or SSI benefit, please contact your bank or financial institution first. They may be able to determine if your direct deposit failed. If you still need to report a late, missing or stolen Social Security payment, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Michael W.
can you change the distribution date?
V.V.
Hi Michael, thank you for your question. Unfortunately you cannot change the date you receive your benefits. If you were receiving or applied for Social Security benefits on or before April 30, 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will receive your benefit on the third of the month. If you receive only SSI, you will receive your benefit on the first of the month. If you applied for Social Security benefits after April 30, 1997, the birthday of the person whose record you receive benefits under determines your payment date:
Date of Birth Payment Day:
1st through 10th Second Wednesday
11th through 20th Third Wednesday
21st through 31st Fourth Wednesday
Check out our Schedule of Social Security Payments for the current payment dates.
Janice R.
I have been receiving my social security payments on time until July, 2020. No payment has yet been received for that month by my financial institution. Has there been a delay in payments? It has caused a problem for me financially.
Ponce C.
If start receiving benefits at age 64, and my full retirement age is 66 4mos, will there be an increase at 66 and 4mos
A.C.
Hi, Ponce. Thank you for your question. Your payment amount is based on when you decide to start your benefits. If you choose to get benefits before full retirement age, they will be reduced. The amount you receive when you first get benefits sets the base for the amount you will receive for the rest of your life. Your benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age. For more information, visit here. We hope this helps.
Donald
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.
V.V.
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.
Percy
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?
V.V.
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.
Gloria
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?
V.V.
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.