If you depend on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or retirement benefits, knowing when your monthly check will arrive is essential for budgeting and financial planning. At Sackett and Associates, we often hear questions about payment schedules, especially when beneficiaries receive more than one payment in a month.
This article explains how the SSA organizes its payment schedule and what factors influence your specific payment date. We’ll also look at why you might receive more than one payment in the same month. If you have questions or issues about your benefits, our firm is here to assist you with any Social Security-related matter.
How the SSA Schedules Monthly Benefit Payments
Let’s answer your questions and make sure your benefits work the way they’re supposed to. The SSA uses a straightforward method to determine payment dates, but the schedule varies depending on the type of benefit you receive and your date of birth. Here is a breakdown of the general payment rules:
SSDI and Retirement Benefits, Including this Month
If you receive SSDI or Social Security retirement benefits, your payment date is tied to your birthday. What day of the month is your birthday?
For benefits recipients born on the
- 1st through the 10th of the month, the payment arrives on the 2nd Wednesday of the month,
- 11th through the 20th of the month, the payment arrives on the 3rd Wednesday of the month,
- 21st through the 31st of the month. The payment arrives on the 4th Wednesday of the month.
For example, if your birthday is on June 15, your payment will arrive on the third Wednesday of each month.
SSI Payments, Including this Month
SSI benefits providing financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources, follow a different schedule. The SSA issues SSI payments on the 1st day of each month. However, if the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is made on the last business day of the previous month.
If the 1st of the month is a Saturday, you would receive your SSI payment on the preceding Friday.
Combined SSDI and SSI Benefits
If you receive both SSDI and SSI benefits, you will generally receive two separate payments. Your SSI payment will follow the 1st-of-the-month schedule, while your SSDI payment will follow the Wednesday schedule based on your birthdate.
Why Some Beneficiaries Receive Multiple Payments in a Month
It’s not uncommon for beneficiaries to receive more than one Social Security check in a single month. Here are the primary reasons why this might happen:
You Are Receiving Both SSDI and SSI
As noted above, individuals who qualify for both SSDI and SSI benefits will receive two payments in a month. The SSI payment typically arrives at the beginning of the month, while the SSDI payment is based on the Wednesday schedule tied to your birthday.
Advance Payments Due to Holidays or Weekends
When your regular payment date falls on a federal holiday or weekend, the SSA will issue the payment on the last business day before the holiday or weekend. This can result in two payments being issued in the same calendar month.
If you receive SSI and the 1st of the month is a Sunday, you’ll receive your SSI payment on the preceding Friday.
If your SSDI payment is scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of the month, but that Wednesday is a federal holiday, you’ll receive the payment earlier.
Retroactive Payments
Sometimes, the SSA approves retroactive benefits for individuals who are newly eligible for SSDI or SSI. These payments cover the period between your established disability onset date (DOD) and your application approval. Retroactive payments are typically issued as a lump sum, separate from your regular monthly benefits.
Benefit Adjustments
Sometimes the SSA issues additional payments to correct errors, such as underpayments from previous months. If the SSA determines that you were underpaid, it will send a separate check to make up the difference.
What If Your Payment Is Late or Missing?
If your Social Security check doesn’t arrive on the expected date, there could be several reasons:
- Banking Delays: If you receive direct deposit, your payment might be delayed by your financial institution, though this is very rare.
- Incorrect Information: Errors in your direct deposit or mailing information could result in delays. It’s important to keep your contact and banking details up to date with the SSA.
- Processing Errors: On rare occasions, internal processing issues at the SSA can cause delays.
If your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, the SSA advises waiting at least three business days before contacting them. If you need further assistance, Sackett & Associates can help resolve payment issues and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
How to Verify Your Payment Date
The SSA provides tools to help beneficiaries keep track of their payments. If you’re unsure of your payment schedule or want to verify an upcoming payment date, consider using these resources:
- My Social Security Account: By creating an online account with the SSA, you can access your benefit payment history, view future payment dates, and update your direct deposit information.
- SSA Payment Calendar: The SSA publishes annual payment calendars that detail payment dates for each type of benefit.
Keeping track of these resources can help you know when your benefits will arrive.
How Sackett & Associates Can Help
Understanding Social Security payment schedules is just one part of managing your benefits. If you’re dealing with payment delays, or need to apply for benefits or need assistance with an appeal, Sackett & Associates can provide the support you need. Our team has extensive experience representing individuals with disability claims.
Whether you have questions about SSDI, SSI, or other Social Security programs, we’re here to help. Contact us today for personalized assistance with your Social Security questions or challenges.
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