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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Elsie
Does ssi payment date change when one goes back to work?
L.A.
Hi Elsie. You can find information and examples about how work affects your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits at our Supplemental Security Income website. We hope this helps.
Deidre
I am a widow as of September 23 and my spouse received his benefits on the 3rd of every month and I receive mine on the 3rd Wednesday of the month will I receive his benefits on the day he received his or mine.
A.C.
We are sorry to hear about your loss, Deidre. If you are receiving retirement benefits on your own record, you can only apply for benefits as a widower if the retirement benefit you receive is less than the benefits you would receive as a survivor. Visit our Benefits Planner: Survivors web page for more information. For additional specific questions, please 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.
Douglas A.
I just started getting a child benefit for my step daughter. I am on SSD. It goes on a direct express card. What day does it drop to the card on? I get my SSD benefit on the 3rd of every month. My SSD direct deposits to my bank account.The child benefit has not gone on the direct express card yet……
A.C.
Hi, Douglas. Your stepdaughter’s benefit should be paid on the same date as yours. If you still need to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for further instructions. We hope this helps.
Sheryl
My husband normally receives his retirement SSI direct deposit on ghe 4th Monday, which did happen in October. Today, Nov 1st, I received a deposit. It appears to be 4 weeks early. I’m wondering if there’s been a change or if this is a one time occurrence. Thank you.
L.A.
Hi Sheryl. Unfortunately, but for your husband’s security, we do not have access to his personal information in this venue. In your situation, it is best to contact your local Social Security office. Or, you can call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to speak with one of our representatives, Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Also, here you will find the Schedule of Social Security Payments. It will help you keep track of payment dates. We hope this helps.
A.C.
Hi, Sheryl. 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.
vickie s.
there are like 4 months were I do not get paid till the 5th week . How come we don’t get one more check because that is a total of 30 days how are we not getting cheated? Thank you for your time on this I do appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Vickie
L.A.
Hi Vickie. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. Or, if you are receiving benefits under someone else’s earnings record, the payment date is determined by that person’s date of birth. The payments are schedule for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesday of every month, even if the month has five (5) Wednesdays. For future pay dates, you may find the schedule of Social Security benefit payment calendar useful. We hope this information helps.
Michelle F.
What happens the 3rd of months on Sunday
L.A.
Hi Michelle. If your regularly scheduled payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a federal holiday, we pay benefits the business day before the due date. For future pay dates, you may find our Schedule of Social Security Payments useful. We hope this information helps.
Webstek P.
A: As explained above, The Social Security Administration cannot perform a medical “Continuing Disability Review” to determine whether you continue to have a disability while you are participating in the Ticket Program and progressing towards your employment goal. Every 12 months after you assign your Ticket to Work to an EN, we must decide if you are making the expected progress toward your vocational goal. We look at progress such as completing certain education or getting and keeping a job. We refer to this as a “Timely Progress Review”.
Dale W.
I’m wondering why I didn’t get paid today which is the 3rd.
L.A.
For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you do not receive your electronic payment on the scheduled pay date, please contact your bank or financial institution first. They may be experiencing a delay in posting your payment. If you still need to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Mason
When would people get there ssi check if born on may 6th
V.V.
Hi Mason, thank you for using our blog. 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.
John S.
Are there individuals who get their SS on the fourth of each month?
A.C.
Hi, John. In May 1997, the Social Security Administration started delivering Social Security benefits on the 3rd of the month and on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month. The three new payment dates are assigned based on the beneficiary’s day of birth. Beneficiaries entitled to Social Security benefits prior to May 1997 continue to receive their benefits on the 3rd of each month. You may find our Schedule of Social Security Payments helpful. Thanks!
Michael F.
Can we change dates to receive our checks or split them up? We get 3 checks mine my wife’s and our daughter gets one. I would like to split them so we get one mid month.
A.C.
Hi, Michael. Thanks for your question. No, you cannot change it. It is based on the birthday of the person on whose record you receive benefits. For more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.