When Are Social Security Benefits Paid Each Month?

Complete 2025 Payment Schedule Guide: Learn Your Monthly Payment Date Based on Birthday, When You Started Benefits, and How to Set Up Direct Deposit for Faster Access.

Author

Carrie Brenner
May 09, 2025

Quick Take - The Brief

  • Social Security benefits are paid monthly, but your exact payment date depends on when you started receiving benefits and your birthday.

  • Most people receive their payment by direct deposit, but paper checks are still used in some cases.

  • Payments are always made for the previous month. For example, the payment you receive in May is actually for April.

Why It Matters

Knowing when your Social Security payment arrives helps you plan your monthly budget, pay bills on time, and avoid unnecessary stress. For many seniors, Social Security is a primary source of income, so understanding the payment schedule is key to financial peace of mind.

Deep Dive - The Beyond

How Social Security Payment Dates Are Decided

1. Your Payment Date Depends on When You First Claimed Benefits

  • If you started receiving Social Security before May 1997:

    • You receive your payment on the 3rd day of each month. If the 3rd is a weekend or holiday, you’ll get paid the business day before.

  • If you started benefits May 1997 or later:

    • Your payment date is based on your birthday:

      • Birthday falls on the 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday of the month.

      • Birthday falls on the 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday.

      • Birthday falls on the 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday.

2. Payments Are for the Previous Month

Social Security always pays benefits a month behind. For example, your May payment is actually for April.

3. Direct Deposit and Paper Checks

  • The vast majority of beneficiaries receive payments by direct deposit, which is faster and more secure.

  • Paper checks are still available for a small number of people, but the government encourages everyone to use direct deposit to reduce delays and lost checks.

4. If Your Payment Date Falls on a Holiday or Weekend

  • If your payment date lands on a federal holiday or weekend, your payment will be deposited the business day before.

Quick Reference Table: Social Security Payment Schedule

When You Started Benefits

Your Birthday Falls On

Payment Day Each Month

Before May 1997

Any

3rd of the month

May 1997 or later

1st – 10th

2nd Wednesday

May 1997 or later

11th – 20th

3rd Wednesday

May 1997 or later

21st – 31st

4th Wednesday

What to Do If Your Payment Is Late

  • Wait three mailing days: Sometimes payments are delayed because of holidays or mail issues. Wait three days before contacting Social Security.

  • Check with your bank: If you use direct deposit and the payment isn’t there, contact your bank first.

  • Contact Social Security: If your payment is missing after three days, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.

Tips for Managing Your Benefits

  • Set up direct deposit for the fastest, safest payments.

  • Mark your payment date on your calendar so you know when to expect your money.

  • Notify SSA promptly if you change your address or bank account to avoid payment delays.

Readers Toolbox

Official Resources:

  • Social Security Administration website: Check your payment schedule and set up direct deposit.

  • SSA toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213.

Downloadable Tools:

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In-Depth Extras

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Community Corner

Do you have tips for staying organized with your Social Security payments?

Share your advice or questions below-your experience could help others in our community!

References:

  1. Stanley A. Tomkiel III. The Social Security Benefits Handbook, 4th Edition, Sphinx Publishing, Sections 1003, 1006, 1011, 1012, 1406.

  2. Joseph L. Matthews. Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits, NOLO, 30th Edition, 2025.

  3. Social Security Administration. “Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments.” Accessed May 4, 2025.

  4. SSA Disability Benefits Guide, Publication No. 05-10029, February 2025.