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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Deidre G.
Receiving my social security check on the 3rd Wed of each month puts me at a disadvantage. Is there any way to change this. Also there are articles written by financial experts who attest to this why put people who have paid into social security all of their working life at an inconvenience to receive their money?
Vonda V.
Hi Deidre. 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
Go to Schedule of Social Security Payments for the current payment dates.
Eddie G.
How do I apply for SSI, I receive only social security
Vonda V.
Hi Eddie, thanks for using our blog. To get SSI, you must be disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old and have “limited” income and resources. Check out our Understanding SSI web page for details.
If you have additional questions, you can call us 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.
Dan
How do I find my nearest office?
Vonda V.
Hi Dan, thanks for using our blog. If you have a critical situation that we cannot help you with by phone, online, fax, or mail, we may be able to schedule an in-office appointment for you. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for more information.
Melissa J.
I was told I would get my check the 4th Wednesday of each month, we are know on week 5 and still no check
Vonda V.
Hi Melissa, 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.
Melissa J.
I have not received my SS check this month
David B.
If a person died on the first of a month will the check they are to receive in that month be taken back by Social Security.
Vonda V.
Hi David, thanks for using our blog. To be eligible for a Social Security benefit payment, a person has to live throughout the entire month. We can’t pay benefits for the month of death. If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months. Keep in mind that Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. For example, if the person dies in March, you must return the benefit paid in April and continuing. However, some of the deceased’s family members may be eligible to receive survivors benefits. For details on survivor benefits, check out our Benefits Planner: Survivors.
Sally B.
When getting paid SS what month are we getting paid for, current month or previous month?
Vonda V.
Hi Sally, thank you for your question. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your benefits begin with the month of February, you will receive your first benefit payment in March. 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.
Susan
Hello,
Will remain working full time through age 68, and recently decided to take the spousal benefit, which is half of my husbands, instead of my own, to accure more credits on mine, until official retirement.
Once fully retired, how do I apply for my own actual benefit and stop recieving the spousal benefit.
Can I call or can it be done online? If so, where is that located? Thank you for your assistance.
Vonda V.
Hi Susan, thanks for using our blog. Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance, and when you’re ready, you can apply for your retirement benefits online.
Gina
Why does the payment date for my check keep changing, and how the hell do you expect me to pay bills on time if it keeps changing?
Also, it shouldn’t take a 1/2 hour to find the answer to what day I get paid on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vonda V.
Hi Gina. 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.
Debra K.
I’m completing my application for social security at full retirement age – 12/23/54 – and stated I want to receive benefits at my earliest date with no reduction in benefits.
Why then am I being asked if I want my benefits to start in December or January?
Vonda V.
Hi Debra, thanks for using our blog. If you wait until your full retirement age, you will get your full benefit. If your full retirement age is 66 and you turn 66 on December 23, you will attain your full retirement age in December. One exception to that is for individuals that are born on the 1st of the month. We figure their benefit (and their full retirement age) as if their birthday was in the previous month.
Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your benefits begin with the month of December, you will receive your first benefit payment in January. We hope this is helpful!