When will I receive my first Social Security check?

This is a common question we get when we do a full Social Security Benefit session. “When will I receive my first check”. It’s important to understand that As of March 1, 2013, the Social Security Administration stopped mailing paper checks. There are two ways you can receive your benefits:

1. Direct deposit of your Social Security checks. This option puts them right into your bank account on the day they are paid.

You don’t have to worry about your check being lost or worry that funds will not get to the bank in time if you are out of town. Sign up or learn more at Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Direct Deposit.

2. Direct Express® Debit Card – If you do not sign up for direct deposit, your benefits will be paid to you via Direct Express® debit card option. This card will work anywhere that takes Debit Mastercard®. You can also use your Direct Express® debit card to get cash back at the grocery store or to purchase money orders at the post office.

Social Security checks are deposited on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your day of birth. The Social Security check schedule works as follows:

If you were born on the:

1st–10th of the month: Expect your Social Security check to be deposited on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

11th–20th of the month: Expect your Social Security check to be deposited on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.

21st–31st of the month: Expect your Social Security check to be deposited on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

Exceptions to When Social Security Checks Arrive

For every rule, there are always exceptions. If you fall into one of the categories below, your check may arrive on an alternate schedule.

You started receiving benefits before 1997: Your Social Security check is paid on the third day of the month. You can request to change this according to the day of birth schedule above.

You are receiving both Social Security benefits and SSI payments: Expect your Social Security check to be deposited on the third day of the month.

Holiday exceptions: If the day your Social Security check is supposed to be deposited is a holiday, your check will be deposited the previous day.

If you have questions on how to Maximize your Social Security Benefits, contact us today. This is what we do! Helping thousands of people that look for ways to maximize their retirement and live a better life.

172 comments on “When will I receive my first Social Security check?

    • fsykes on

      Rose Mary, it depends on when you apply and your birthday. If your birthday is the 1st-10th then it will be deposited on the 2nd wed of the month. 11th-20th 3rd wed and 21st-31st 4th wed of the month.

      Reply
      • Terry Long on

        My full retirement age is 66. i would like to continue working at least part time until age 67. can i work and receive Social Security benefits at 66 yrs ?

        Reply
        • fsykes on

          Terry, You you can continue to work past your Full retirement age, just keep in mind two things. Each month you delay benefits will increase your SS income payment and between 66 and age 70 you can get an 8% increase each year – which would be 32% increase! Secondly depending on your income Social Security can tax your social security if you make over certain thresholds that are pretty low.

          We would love to assist you with your retirement income planning, Faye

          Reply
      • Karen Hampton on

        But which month will the benefits start? Do benefits start the month following your birth month, or do benefits start following the month AFTER first FULL month following your birth month? My understanding is that Social Security pays the benefit for the previous full month. So if I turn 70 and my birthday is September 4th, do benefits start the 2nd Wednesday of October or November?

        Reply
          • Johnette A Hazley Germany on

            I started deceiving as 1993 when my children turned 18 the as checks stopped. Stroke 2009.will I continue receiving my as checks on the 3rd of the month

          • fsykes on

            Johnette,

            Once kids turn 18 (or 19 if still in school) the checks for the kids will stop. If you cannot work if you have not already consider applying for Social Security disability. If you are already receiving SSDI you should continue to receive a check for yourself but the children’s benefits will go away.

        • Victoria GETER on

          My full retirement age is on 12/1/19.
          Will be 66. But i was told in PERSon that i wd get my 1st check on 1/2020. I went to SSA weeks later & I was told I cd start getting SS on Nov. 1 2019.
          I contacted SSA wks later cuz i hadnt recvd my SS award letter. Thats when they said i wd get my 1st chk on 11/11/19.

          I am so disgusted by all the inaccurate info, that i dont even know if i want the dam money anymore

          Reply
          • fsykes on

            Victoria, It can be hard to sometimes get the right information. In general you get your first payment the month after your birthday which would be in Jan, but if you requested early they can have it come early

            If the birthday is between the 1st and the 10th of the month, you will receive your payment on the second Wednesday of the month after that birthday. If the birthday is between the 11th and the 20th, you will receive your payment on the third Wednesday of the following month.

            Hopefully you get your check soon!

    • GayeLynn 0lson on

      I got my 1st check on 5/2 BUT, I won’t get my checks until the 3rd Wed. of the month. I’m assuming they paid me fast because my b-day is 3/18 and every month, the percentage I could get goes up. Pay me fast and they can say, I wasn’t any MONTHS older than 62. I had to study and learn about spousal benefits/percentages, etc. on my own because the SS lady I talked to, didn’t help me AT all!
      I’m now withdrawing my application and waiting. Had she explained very easily, how that could benefit me, I NEVER would’ve let it continue. She’s now made more work for herself when all she had to do was spend 2-3 minutes, answering my ONE question!!!

      Reply
      • fsykes on

        GayeLynn, the Social Security customer service on phone get three weeks of training, the in office receive 3 months of training. Unless you get someone with many years of experience they may not understand all of the rules. Also as a government agency they are not allowed to give you advice. This is what we do to assist people understand how to maximize their benefits. Glad that you understand better that waiting will get you more money. Best, Faye

        Reply
    • fsykes on

      Janis, it depends on when you apply and when your birthday falls. If your birthday is the 1st-10th then it will be deposited on the 2nd wed of the month. 11th-20th 3rd wed and 21st-31st 4th wed of the month.

      Reply
  1. Clarence Brunson on

    If I sign up for my so retirement benefits three mounts prier to my retirement date will I receive my deposit on the third Wednesday of Jan 2019 ?

    Reply
  2. Frances Brady on

    I turn 66 on October 16, I applied for SS in September. I told the administration that I wanted to receive my first payment in November, so I can get the full benefits. I just saw a deposit for $267.90 from Federal Benefit Credit 10/09, I don’t understand why.

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Joe,

      You can request up to a six month look back. But you may not want to, each month you delay your Social Security benefit will go up slightly. Happy retirement!

      Reply
      • fsykes on

        Jerry, depending on your age and your income you may or may not get payments back. If you are under your full retirement age every $2 you make over $17,640 they take $1 of your benefit away. The income you earn does continue to vest you into Social Security.

        Reply
      • Rhonda Fagan on

        Im disgusted in the whole ssi ssdi ss everything !! I have been screwed over the entire process when i filed for my disability i was eligible on my work record but i was denied it took 5 yrs for me to get approved so there went getting it on my work record had to take ssi and my disability issues where the same as when i first applied this seems so unfair to me and unamerican its like they try thier hardest. To make your life miserable im totally sickened by this and it continues on.

        Reply
        • Maria Dimova on

          The Social security did the same to me.I was sick and applied for SSDI and SS at age 62.I was hoping to get both and stop to work.I was eligbile.What happened they approved me right the way for SS and after 6onths i received a letter that was saying,that i am not approved for my work record.I started to work a job with less pay,but more easier for my condision.I worke after that 9 yaers and was receiving ans still receive redused SS for a early retirement.I stopped to work in 71 years old and a reduced payment,when i actually felt on the floor.Now they sue me for 5k,because they said they were paying me more.Is this an American way?I was skrewed twice.God to helop me.I am so mad and frustrated to live in nisery,in my “golden years”.

          Reply
    • fsykes on

      Darlene,

      Your retirement date and Social Security date do not have to be the same. Depending on your health and other assets delaying your SS until age 70 can reap huge benefits.

      If you want to make an informed decision I would recommend that you have us put a plan together for you.

      Best,

      Faye

      Reply
    • fsykes on

      Darlene

      It would shift depending on your birthdate. 1st – 10th is the 2nd wed, 11th – 20th 3rd Wed and 21-31st is 4th Wed of the month. If you have not received yet I would recommend calling Social Security Directly 800-772-1213

      Thank you,

      Faye

      Reply
    • fsykes on

      William,

      Since your birthday is on the 9th it should deposit on the 2nd Wed of each month. It should arrive 11/14. If not call Social Security directly 800-772-1213

      Thanks, Faye

      Reply
  3. William R Bowlin on

    I have reached full retirement age….my two young children qualify for dependent benefits since I will begin to receive my social security retirement benefits. Question: ….Will their benefits come at the same as mine?

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      William,

      If you applied for both at the same time there is a good chance that they may come at the same time. But if you applied for yours first then theirs after there could be a delay. If there is a delay you can request up to six months back pay.

      Let us know if we can help further,

      Faye

      Reply
  4. Scott Farris on

    I am retiring on December 1st 2018, so my first check will come in January. I was born on the 21st of May so that will be January 23rd. Will my first check be for 1 months benefits or one month and 3 weeks benefits.

    Reply
  5. Kathy on

    My last date if employment is December 31. I told social security I will be retired beginning January 1st. I am 64 1/2 at that time. Will my 1st check be in January or will it be in February. My birthdate is April 29, so I know my check will come on the 4th Wednesday. Just wondering which month.

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Kathy, it will depend on the Social Security employee that processes it. If you gave them at least a month notice it most likely would come at the end of Jan. Congrats on Retirement! SSBP

      Reply
  6. David Tidmore on

    I turned 66 on 12/4/2018. I applied for SS retirement on Aug 30, 2018 to commence at the earliest date without penalty. My application was approved on Dec 5, 2018. Should I expect my first check on the 2nd Wed in Jan 2019 or the 2nd Wed in Feb 2019?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      David,

      It would depend on how backed up there are at Social Security. If you applied ahead i would most likely expect the check to start in Jan. Congrats on retirement. SSBP

      Reply
  7. mariruth kim on

    My birthday is Nov 25th and I will be 62 in 2019. I will not be working at all in 2019. I realize my first month of entitlement will be Dec 2019 and my first check will come in Jan for the month of Dec. Do I have this right?

    Reply
  8. Steven M on

    I am now retired from both the military and sheriff’s dept. I plan on collecting social security as soon as I turn 62. My birthday is on the 6th of April. Will I collect my first check on the second week of April or would it be paid the following month? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  9. Jamal l Jackson on

    Hello my name is Jamal Jackson and I was approved for disability 12/14/2018 and my birthday is April 16 1980. I am wondering when will I get my first check and what other paper work is coming with it

    Reply
  10. Connie Price on

    I want to retire at 65. If I leave my job several weeks before my 65th birthday, will my benefits be based on age 64? Or does it work like Medicare – becoming effective the month I turn 65?

    Reply
  11. Randy Wilson on

    I signed up for Medicare on-line at the SS website today. I chose not to apply for SS retirement at the same time/same application. Can I still decide later (in the next week or two) to also start my application for retirement? I will be 65 in April 2019 and understand it takes 3 months for the application to be processed.

    Reply
  12. Linda Latimer on

    I am 63 1/2 with an August 30th birthday. My last date of employment was 11/15/18. I applied online for early social security retirement benefits on 11/30/18. I requested benefits to start November 2018. Do you know if back pay benefits will be paid for November 2018 since I applied on the last day of November? Do you think I will receive my first check on the 4th Wednesday of January 2019? Will the government shut down delay my SS approval process? Prior to the shut down my SS online shows my application status of was “processing step 2 of 3”.

    Thank you

    Reply
  13. John Jancuska on

    I will turn 66 on September 13, 2019. I will still be working but want to start receiving my full SS benefits. When I apply June 13, 2019 (4 months prior to my 66th birthday) and want to start receiving the benefits when I turn 66( FTA),will the first check come the 3rd Wednesday of September.

    Reply
  14. Shirley on

    Hu! I signed my social security app today letting them know I’m retiring 3/1. Have any idea when my first payment will be received? Hopefully later March last week since birthday date is 28th of a month? Or will it be delayed indefinitely because of shut down?

    Reply
  15. WANGENSTEIN PAUL/VICKI on

    My wife wants to retire on her 62 birthday (march 30,3019) .She has only worked enough to collect a very small dollar amount. I understand she is eligible under my SS. How do we apply under my SS account ?

    Reply
  16. Betty Hernandez on

    I applied for SS benefits on Nov. 16, 2018. The agent told me I would receive my direct deposit by Jan. 9, 2019. I have not heard anything from Social Security. When should I expect a response, or a deposit.

    Reply
  17. Greg on

    I am 64 years of age and applying for social security. If I ask for my benefits to begin in March, what month will I receive my first check? March or April?

    Reply
  18. Grace Hayes on

    Grace, January 25, 2019 10:45
    I turned 62 on 1/14/2019. I applied and was approved in November 2018. Should I expect my
    first check the third Wed. in February?

    Reply
  19. Bob Bassett on

    My social security says I will be paid on the 3rd of the month. I have a child support garnishment. I am suppose to be paid on the 2nd wed of each month. when will I get paid?

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Your deposit will depend on your birthday. With the Government shut down they have been backlogged. You will need to call them directly at 800-772-1213 to find out exactly. Good luck!

      Benefits paid on Birth date on
      Second Wednesday 1st – 10th
      Third Wednesday 11th – 20th
      Fourth Wednesday 21st – 31st

      Reply
  20. Cynthia on

    I turn 66 on August 22, 2019. That is my FRA. I want to receive benefits at my FRA. How do I specify when I want benefits to start? Aug or Sept?

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Congrats on your almost retirement! Did you know delaying past your FRA until age 70 you would get an 8% increase annually to the maximum amount. Most likely they would start in Sept but it would depend on when you applied. You can apply online ssa.gov or call social security directly at 800-772-1213, If you would like us to assist you with retirement income planning we would be happy to help, Faye

      Reply
  21. kennethia carter on

    first disabled may 17,2017. approved on march 29,2019… onset date was for august 1, 2017…. when can i receive my first payments and backpay.. or am i eligible for payments until then due to hardship

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Kennethia, glad to hear your SSDI benefits were approved. Typically your benefits would go from your first appeal not the actual start date of the disability. Faye

      Reply
    • fsykes on

      Natalie

      As you continue to work and pay into Social Security this can potentially increase your future Social Security benefits! Depending on if your single or married and how much you make can have some taxes. Certain states also have taxes as well.

      Best, Faye

      Reply
  22. Rita J Trumbly on

    I am 66 and have not worked since 2017. My husband is 67 and still working fulltime. We have not applied for Social Security. Should we make an appt or can we do it online or over the phone? We should have probably already applied.

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Rita,

      You can go to http://www.ssa.gov or call 800-772-1213 to apply for your benefits. If he is still working full time you may want to delay until his age 70. There can be taxes on his benefits depending on how much he is making.

      Thanks, Faye

      Reply
  23. David George on

    I turn 66 on December 23rd of this year and plan to file for my Social Security then. What month is the earliest I can file my application based on my December birthday and what would be the latest so that I do not miss a payment?

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Cindy, Once your application is approved based on your birthday it will be paid on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd Wed of typically the following month. It would the date approved and noted by Social Security- Thanks, Faye

      Reply
  24. William Harolds on

    My benefits are scheduled to begin next Feb (2020). I am currently paying for 2018 taxes under the installment arrangement, and which won’t be fully paid until after Feb 2020. Will my SS benefit be reduced?

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      William, Your tax agreement is separate from your social security benefits so you should not be reduced. If you go out of terms of your installment agreement that may change. Congrats on retiring soon! Faye

      Reply
  25. Audie Hunsbusher on

    I am 64 and planning on retiring on January 1st….when would be the best time to apply to receive a check in January? Plus just wondering is Social Security’s fiscal year January 1st to December 31st just like it is when a person is working?

    Reply
  26. Mr. Gilly on

    I’ve been waiting on social security disability to respond to when they will start issuing out my payments. I’m currently 27 years old, have been waiting since 2017 after my brain injury incident, I just recently went to another hearing after I got denied the first time, I’m not sure what they are doing now, it’s clear that I cant go to work, hold a job or even a memory after a few minutes, I’m just wondering, when should I be receiving at least an answer for me getting the check??? Because I’m struggling, homeless NOW, and I really really need this to kick in, if anybody could answer this accurately, would be appreciated, thank you.

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Mr Gilly, we are sorry to hear that you were in a terrible accident we hope you get the help that you need physically and financially.

      Unfortunately as you can tell the SSDI process can be long process.

      Your best bet is working with a SSDI attorney that can help you navigate through this process.

      https://nosscr.org/ may be a place to find help.

      Good luck!

      Faye Sykes

      Reply
  27. JUDY HANKINS on

    I HAVE TWO QUESTIONS. I AM STILL WORKING AT AGE 70…WILL BE 71 IN OCTOBER. IS THERE A CUTOFF POINT WHERE MY EARNINGS ARE NOT TAXABLE BY SOCIAL SECURITY? I STARTED DRAWING AT THE AGE OF 62. I WAS NOT AWARE OR INFORMED THAT IF I WAITED UNTIL I WAS 70 TO START DRAWING MY SS I WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR A 8% INCREASE.

    ALSO, COULD YOU TELL ME WHY MY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS ARE CUT IN HALF BECAUSE I AM A RETIRED TEACHER. I HAVE WORKED 20 PLUS YEARS OUTSIDE OF TEACHING YET THOSE NON-TEACHING EARNINGS ARE CUT 50%. WHY IS THIS?
    .

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Judy, at age 70 your benefits max out so it is not worth delaying a minute longer! For the best tax information we would recommend speaking with a professional CPA or enrolled agent but in general if you make over a certain amount of earned income up to 85% of your Social Security income can be included to factor your taxes. At any age your Social Security can be taxable. Apx 40% of americans have their Social Security taxed.

      We are trying to help as many people, CPA’s and Financial advisors get educated on the 8% and the almost 2,800 other regulations that oversee this. Social Security as a government entity legally can only answer questions they cannot give advice and that is what we do.

      Most likely if you were a teacher and receive a pension while not paying in they have a WEP offset. Without understanding your full picture we cannot give you specific advice but here is a link to review. https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/wep.html

      Thanks, Faye Sykes CEO

      Reply
  28. Cody Johnson on

    Hi. I applied to be my nephews represenative payee, and was approved on august 6th. His birthday is sept 14th. He will be recieving ss from my mother who passed away in May. Her birthday was june 22. I have called and asked when he would recieve his lump sum, because he hasn’t recieved benefits since july. They do not have a clear answer about when someone on survivors benefits would recieve their first check. Is their any information I can look into about this? Or perhaps you have any information concerning survivors benefits?
    Thanks

    Reply
  29. Ed on

    I reached age 66 on October 3rd and applied for SSA to take effect that month. My award letter said I would receive my first payment on the second Wednesday of November, but the payment was credited to my bank account on November 1st. I do not understand why. Any assistance would be most appreciated.

    Reply
  30. Bob on

    I just applied for Social Security to begin when I turn 66 in February 2020. Will my first check be deposited in February or is it paid in arrears in March?

    Reply
  31. Bernice Marguerite Feagins on

    I applied on for Social Security Disability on July 2019, because I am a 100% P &T veteran. I was approved for benefits: 11/16/2019. Will I receive my first check 30 or 60 days from approval?

    Reply
  32. donna drew on

    I applied in September with a January 1st retirement date

    Will I receive my first check in January? I already know based on my birthday of March 29th that I will receive it in the fourth week

    Thank you

    Reply
  33. John Cassick on

    I recently applied for SSI, it’s my second time applying. I am homeless and disabled (Autism). Recently my mother, who received my mail, said I got a letter from SSA requesting a phone interview, the only info I need is a bank account or checkbook where I’d like payments deposited, I was wondering does that mean I’ve been approved or is it just bad wording?

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      John, we are not the social security office but if they are asking for your checking that is usually a very good sign. I wish you much success and luck in your future!

      Reply
  34. Wendy on

    Birthday is on Oct 31st, my letter says they were going to pay me November 1 for October and then after that on or about the third of each month. I received a payment November 1, Dec 1, Jan 1 ….other than being shorted one month, does it really matter when in the month you received your check?

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Wendy, depending on what day of the month is your birthday is when you check comes. It usually starts the following month so this is normal. Happy retirement!

      Reply
  35. Brian G. on

    My wife will reach full retirement age in April of 2021. For personal reasons, she would prefer to start receiving checks as soon as possible in 2021 even though the check will be reduced for not waiting until full retirement age. She will continue working, but will take advantage of the $48,600 wage exception in 2021 so she will not lose any of the social security payments due to her wages as she would if she applied now in 2020.
    My question is should she sign up for social security in December 2020 as she will not receive the check until January 2021. I know the check would be taxable in 2021 (the year she receives it) but I am unsure if it will count as a 2020 check with the wage exemption of $18,240 or a 2021 check when the wage exemption would be $48,600.

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Brian- sorry for our delay! If she signed up in Dec 2020 there is a lag time until the first check. It would apply from when she actually received money in

      Good luck!

      Reply
  36. Dennis Cichelli on

    I am 68 years old and still working full time. I had decided to wait until age 70 to start collecting my SS benefit. My birthday is January 29th. I may change my mind and start receiving one year earlier at age 69. And I will continue to work full time. If I were to apply on-line today or even tomorrow, is my benefit calculated now, or on my 69th birthday?

    Reply
  37. David A Lawson on

    My birthday is Feb 1st and I turn 62. I applied for Social Security a few months back. I should get my first bank deposit March 10th?

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      You will need to contact Social Security directly to apply and to find out when your deposit will happen. Have you thought about delaying your benefits to get a much higher benefit later?

      Reply
  38. Frank on

    I turn 65 on july 29. I plan on applying for SS at the 3 month mark before my birthdate along with applying for medicre, roughly on April 30th or May 1st. When will I recieve my first check?

    Reply
  39. Gary Eversz on

    HA! Finally found an answer to my question. I was born on the 9th but receive my direct deposit on the 3rd…haven’t been able to find out why. And here it says I receive it on the 3rd instead of when my birthday is…..is because I retired prior to 1997. Thank you so much! I looked everywhere and couldn’t find an answer.

    Reply
  40. John Baker on

    I find a lot of information on when I reach full/normal retirement age, but NOTHING on what month I’m first eligible to receive my full retirement benefit. Being born last week in March 1957, I believe I was eligible for a payment starting the first full month I was 62 (i.e. April, 2019) and that the check for April 2019 actually wouldn’t show up until the 4th Wed of May 2019. Since I was born in 1957 my FRA is at 66yrs 6mths, so if I want my full retirement benefit would my first month eligible for that amount be April 2023 (and then would I not get actual check until 4th Wed of May 2023) or would it be March 2023 (and check arrive 4th week of April 2013)? Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  41. Cathy on

    Why was my ss check reduce not the amount I was told .I was told I would get it on the 2 Wednesday of the month got it on second of the month

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Cathy

      I am not sure on why it was different you would have to check with social security directly 800-722-1213. But they do deduct for Medicare from retires 65 and older

      Reply
  42. Pearl Jimenez on

    Just turned 64 on Monday june14th2021 when will be the best time to apply for social security wont to retire now due to health problems

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Pearl

      There are many factors that go into the best time, if you are still earning income or have other recourses its best to wait. IF you want a customized plan we can help.

      Reply
  43. Jan on

    I was just approved for SS and my birthday is Aug 14. On the SS website, it says that my first payment will be on October 20th. Everywhere I read, it states that I will be paid the following month after my birthday. Why am I starting in October instead of September?

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Jan

      It usually is the month following your birthday but it can vary on many factors. You would need to contact social security directly 800-772-1213 to find out

      Reply
  44. Dev on

    When I became eligible for social security, I “filed and suspended” and then applied for the “spousal benefit.” I turned 70 in August. My September check was still the spousal benefit amount. Do I need to do anything to switch over to my own benefits, or is there a lag time before Social Security makes the change for me? If there a lag time, how long should I wait before you would recommend reaching out to SSA.

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      You have to still contact Social Security to switch to your own benefit call them 800-772-1213, when you do call ask if they can do a “look back” to see if they can give you the extra money you missed out on. Good luck

      Reply
  45. Ralph Waters on

    My birthday falls prior to the 10th of the month, and my late spouse’s birthday after the 21st. Is the latter birthday the reason my survivor benefits are deposited on the 4th Wednesday instead of the 2nd?

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Ralph

      For most beneficiaries, the payment date depends on your birth date. If you are receiving payments on the record of a retired, disabled or deceased worker (for example, spousal or survivor benefits), that person’s birthday sets the schedule.

      Reply
  46. Shelly on

    The last check I recieved was on December 3rd 2021. Come January 2022 I will not recieve my ssdi check until the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Which is January 19th 2022. This is a 7 week difference. Will the check be prorated to make up the difference? I do understand that we are receiving an increase as well. I am not speaking of that amount. My question is… what about the 3 week difference? Will the first month be prorated because of the time span between the December 3rd, 2021, check to the January 19, 2022, check?

    Reply
  47. Doug on

    I turned 66 on November 21, 2021. So born in 1955 & have to wait another two months. Soooooo, do I file on January 21, 2022, or at the end of January, or possibly sign up now but specify I am waiting the 2 month. Totally confused & still have not found out when to actually apply. Called an IRS agent after a 40 min wait on phone & she would not tell me, just said to go sign up online to IRS & it will answer your question. No….it does not, no definite answer just confusion. Typed question into internet & youtube & no answers what so ever, not even close. I guess I will have to go to IRS agent in person but they seem to be more inconsiderate than ever & do not want to answer questions or possibly they do not even know what to tell me. Help /THX!

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Doug

      You will need to apply at http://www.ssa.gov and ideally 2-3 months before you would like your benefits to begin. Right now Social Security employees are mainly working remote, but offices are set up reopen in March of 2022 (but with pandemic still shutting things down we will have to wait and see) When you apply online it will let you request when you would like your benefits to start. Good luck!

      Reply
  48. Marjie on

    My birthday is on the first of the month but I understand the SSA considers my birthday to be 24-hours prior (i.e. the last day of the previous month). When I apply for benefits, do I say I want benefits to begin in my birthday month, or do I ask for benefits to begin in the month prior to my birthday month? Thanks!

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Marjie,

      Each month you delay Social Security pays you a little bit more. You did not note how old you are but delaying until your Full Retirement age or delay to 70 for the maximum amount would get you the most benefits. Ideally wait at least until your birth month. If you are working as well taking early can not only reduce your benefits but also be taxable.

      Reply
  49. Mario M on

    Good day, I plan to retire early in November 2022.My birthdate is 11/29/60. I will apply for SS benefits 3.5 months before my 62nd birthday.I qualify for benefits even though i haven’t worked the past 10 years.Been caregiver for elderly parents. I would get a check the 4th wednesday of the month. but what month would the first payment be given to me. December 2022 or January 2023 ? Thank you.

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      Mario congrats on almost turning 62, have you thought about delaying? You are taking a 30% cut in benefits for the rest of your life. You would receive the 4th wed of the month.

      As far as when you receive your first check that will depend on Social Security. Most of their workers are still working from home but are expected to return in March of 2022.

      Reply
  50. Joy S on

    I’m retiring on April 1. I submitted my benefit application on December 15. I received a letter 3 weeks ago stating that I needed to call them regarding the application. (Phone call is to the Jamaica, New York office; I confirmed that the phone number is legitimate). It said that if I do not reply within 10 calendar days of the date on the letter, they will not take any steps to process the application. I have called multiple times. The call goes to voice mail. The message states that they will return my call by the end of the next business day. I have still not heard back. I’m starting to get concerned because it’s now way beyond the 10 day deadline in the original letter. What would be the suggested next step?

    Reply
  51. Karen on

    I applied for SSA in Sept, 2021 my birthday was in Dec, got my first check in Feb 2022, I’m receiving my SSA early I’m just 62. I was told I would get back pay for Jan. this info came from my sister, I did not get more then the amount I will be getting. Was my sister wrong or do I need to call and find out where is Jan back pay?

    Reply
  52. joyce mascio on

    I started to receive Medicare in March. I received a bill for 4 months on Medicare but I only paid for March because I knew that I was going to retire end of March but wanted to be in good standing with insurance. So I received full backpay Jan and Feb from SS. My March SS will be paid mid April with 170.10 taken out for Medicare. How will I recoup the payment for Medicare that I had made out of pocket then?

    Reply
  53. Tina on

    I was just approved and the online account says two one time payments were issued 9/16. They are the months it took for them to process the social security retirement application. However they have not been direct deposited. Will they be mailed?

    Reply
  54. Elly on

    My ssa online said he should have received his payment Feb 1st but it says check by mail. Should I wait and see if I receive it in the mail or do I contact them now?

    Reply
  55. David on

    I was approved for benefits on 3/2/23. I am beginning benefits at 66 and 4-months. My birthday is 11/21/56. Do I get my first check the third Weds of March 2023, or April 2023?

    Reply
  56. Kathleen Velasquez on

    I applied for Social Security at age 62. It was approved and I turned 62 on March 19. Why did I not receive payment in April for May 19 – March 31. They say I will not receive payment until May? I was thinking I would receive a partial payment for March as that’s the month I turned 62.

    Reply
    • fsykes on

      There is no partial payments, you get full payment the month after your birthday or start date. Taking social security early at age 62 gives you a reduced benefit for the rest of your life, try to wait until your full retirement age if you can.

      Reply
  57. Kathleen on

    I turned 62 March 19, social security website states first payment will be in May? Shouldn’t I have received a partial payment in April for March 19 – 31?

    Reply
  58. Danielle on

    I was just approved for disability in June but my payments don’t start until November or December. Can I work full time with no restrictions until I get my first payment or can I only make a certain amount

    Reply
  59. James on

    In my case, since I applied well in advance of my desired start date, I received my first Social Security check right on time. The relief and reassurance it brought were immeasurable, allowing me to confidently embark on my retirement journey.

    I highly recommend this article to anyone approaching their Social Security benefits eligibility age. It offers clear and concise explanations, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and anticipate the arrival of their first Social Security check. Understanding the process and timeline alleviates uncertainty and allows for effective financial planning.

    Thank you to the author for shedding light on this important topic and providing a helpful resource for those navigating the complexities of Social Security. https://ssa-office.com/org/social-security-office-in-dover/

    Reply

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