In retirement, when you receive your Social Security check can determine when you make certain payments, go grocery shopping and plan other aspects of your finances. Benefit checks will typically hit your bank account on the second, third of fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on your birthday.
Here’s when you can expect Social Security, and what else you need to know about the payment schedule.
The birthday rule that sets many Social Security paydays
The Social Security Administration uses your birthdate when determining the payment schedule. Here’s the breakdown:
- Birthdays on the 1st through 10th: paid on the second Wednesday of the month
- Birthdays on the 11th through 20th: paid on the third Wednesday
- Birthdays after the 20th: paid on the fourth Wednesday
This schedule means spouses can receive Social Security checks on different days because their birthdays were during different parts of the month. Spousal, survivor and family benefits are often tied to the worker’s birthday instead of the recipient’s birthdate.
Exceptions to the birthday rule
This birthday-based Wednesday schedule applies to anyone who filed for Social Security after May 1, 1997. Typically, any retirees who filed before that date will get their Social Security check on the third day of each month.
There are also cases when a retiree’s Social Security schedule is different even if they claimed benefits after May 1, 1997. The Social Security handbook lists a few exceptions that will result in you getting paid on the third of every month. Beneficiaries who also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, have their Medicare premiums paid by the state or live in foreign countries are included, but there are additional exceptions listed in the handbook.
SSI payments typically arrive on the first day of each month and are different from Social Security. You can receive this payment earlier if the first of the month is a weekend or a federal holiday, but it is different from Social Security retirement benefits.
What to do if your check doesn’t arrive
The weekend and holiday rule can apply to some payments and delay when they arrive by a day, but it’s still a good idea to check with Social Security when money does not arrive on time. You can review the Social Security’s official payment schedule to verify if you were supposed to receive your check now or if it is due in a few days.
Social Security encourages retirees to allow for three additional mailing days after the due date before contacting Social Security.
