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When Will You Receive Social Security Checks Each Month?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
With over a decade of dedicated experience, Andrea Miller boasts an extensive background in healthcare writing and editing. Her expertise spans various facets of the healthcare industry, with a particular focus on nursing, senior care, Alzheimer’s disease, and public health. Andrea has also contributed her editorial talents to reputable publishers in the Philadelphia region, complementing her extensive freelance work.
The day when you’ll receive your Social Security check each month depends on your birthday. The Social Security Administration issues checks on the second Wednesday of each month for those with a birth date between the 1st and 10th. If your birthday falls on the 11th through the 20th, the agency will issue your check on the third Wednesday of the month. Recipients with a birth date from the 21st to the 31st receive their Social Security benefits on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
If you aren’t sure when you’ll receive your benefits, you can find out more about the payment schedule through your local Social Security office or on the SSA website.
Does this schedule have exceptions?
There are some exceptions to the SSA payment schedule. If your designated check date lands on a holiday, the SSA typically issues the check on the previous business day. For example, if Christmas falls on a Wednesday, you would receive your benefits on Tuesday, December 24.
Some people receive their checks on the 3rd of each month. This date applies to your benefits if:
- You live outside the U.S.
- You filed for benefits before May 1, 1997
- You receive Supplemental Security Income as well as retirement or disability benefits
- Your state of residence pays your Medicare premiums
Other individuals receive Social Security payments on the 1st of each month. This category includes people who receive benefits because of blindness, disability or age.
When do spouses and dependents receive benefits?
Spouses and children who receive benefits get their checks on the same day as the primary Social Security recipient. For example, if you receive spousal retirement benefits and your spouse’s birthday is May 12, you would receive your check on the third Wednesday, even if your birthday is November 30.
Do you receive paper Social Security checks?
The SSA no longer issues physical paper checks for benefits. Instead, you can either receive your payments from the SSA on a Mastercard debit card or sign up for direct deposit into your bank account.