Social Security Schedule: When Do I Get My Next Payment?

If you depend on Social Security payments, knowing when your check arrives is essential for staying on top of your monthly budget. Some are budgeting for bills month-to-month, and others are trying to keep track of multiple income sources. Regardless, you’ll need to know your deposit dates to organize your finances. 

Below, we’ll explain how the Social Security payment schedule works, what to expect in 2025, how benefit amounts are determined, and tips to incorporate this knowledge into your budgeting.

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Key Takeaways

• Your Payment Date Depends on Your Birthday: For most people who started receiving benefits after May 1997, payments arrive on a Wednesday based on your birth date:
  
  • 2nd Wednesday: Birthdays on the 1st-10th.
  • 3rd Wednesday: Birthdays on the 11th-20th.
  • 4th Wednesday: Birthdays on the 21st-31st.
• There Are Exceptions: If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment is on the 1st of the month. If you started receiving Social Security before May 1997, your payment is on the 3rd.
• Check for Holiday Changes: If your payment date falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, your payment will be sent on the business day before that date.
• What to Do If a Payment Is Late: Wait at least three business days after your scheduled payment date before contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• Stay Informed Online: The easiest way to track your personal payment schedule, get benefit statements, and manage your information is by creating a mySocialSecurity account on the SSA website.

How the Social Security Payment Schedule Works

Social Security payments don’t all go out on the same day. The date you get your payment depends on when you were born and what benefits you receive. Most people who started receiving benefits after May 1997 follow a staggered schedule: payments arrive on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, based on your birth date. We’ll go into more detail about those dates below.

Your schedule is different if you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Payments typically arrive on the 1st of the month. Some people, like those who retired early or receive both SSI and Social Security, may also have separate rules. 

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2025 Social Security Payment Dates

Payment dates vary depending on the type of benefits you receive and when you were born. Reference the SSA Benefits Payment Schedule to get exact dates. 

Below, we’ll break it down into four key categories so you know exactly when to expect your 2025 payments. 

Payments Based on Your Birth Date

If you started receiving Social Security after May 1997, your payment date is based on your birthday. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a staggered system to spread payments throughout the month:

• Birthdays on the 1st-10th: 2nd Wednesday of each month
• Birthdays on the 11th-20th: 3rd Wednesday
• Birthdays on 21st-31st: 4th Wednesday

This pattern repeats each month. For example, if your birthday is March 12th, your payments will always arrive on the third Wednesday. In this case, March 19th in 2025.

SSI Recipients

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment typically arrives on the 1st of each month. However, there are some exceptions. If the 1st falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, your payment will be sent the business day before.

Dual Recipients (Social Security + SSI)

Some people receive both SSI and Social Security retirement or disability benefits. These individuals are called dual recipients. In these cases, SSI is paid on the 1st of each month. Social Security benefits are sent on the 3rd, unless that falls on a weekend or holiday.

This split schedule avoids delays and keeps payments flowing efficiently.

Pre-May 1997 Beneficiaries

If you started receiving Social Security before May 1997, your payment comes on the 3rd of each month, no matter your birth date. This schedule is separate from the staggered dates used for newer beneficiaries.

Even if the 3rd falls on a weekend or holiday, your payment will still arrive on the business day before. 

Upcoming Social Security Payment Dates for 2025

Looking ahead to the second half of the year, here’s a quick guide to your upcoming payment dates from July through December 2025. These dates follow the same pattern based on your birthday or benefit type, but holiday schedules sometimes shift things by a day or two.

Consider bookmarking this section so you can check back when needed.

How Much Will You Receive?

Your Social Security payment depends on how much you earned during your working years and when you start claiming benefits. The longer you work and the later you wait to claim (up to age 70), the higher your monthly payment might be. This is an essential factor to keep in mind during your financial retirement planning.

In 2025, the average monthly retirement benefit is expected to be around $1,915 to $2,002.39 for individuals. Couples who both receive benefits may get around $3,287 combined. The maximum monthly payment for someone who waits until age 70 could reach up to $5, 108.

Your amount will likely be different. To get a personalized estimate, log in to your mySocialSecurity account or try one of SSA’s benefit calculators.

What to Do If Your Payment Is Late

If your Social Security payment hasn’t arrived, don’t panic. Delays do happen. First, wait at least three business days after your expected payment date. Then, check your bank or direct deposit account to confirm there weren’t any processing delays on the SSA’s end. 

If you still haven’t received it, you can contact the SSA by phone or use their online services. Make sure your personal information and direct deposit details are up to date.

How to Stay Informed About Future Payments

The easiest way to stay on top of your Social Security payments is by setting up a mySocialSecurity account. It gives you access to your payment schedule, benefit statements, and account details all in one place.

You can also sign up for email or text alerts from the SSA, check your bank account frequently, and make sure your contact information and direct deposit setup are current. 

Making the Most of Your Social Security Benefits

Social Security is only one part of your retirement plan, so it helps to think about how it fits with your other income sources. Are you already retired or getting close? Having a strategy helps you stretch your money further. 

Some people delay claiming benefits to receive larger monthly payments. Others use budgeting tools or work with an advisor to figure out how to best manage their financial planning. The key is to stay organized and consider both your short-term needs and long-term goals. 

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Payment Schedule Tips for Future Years

Social Security payment dates tend to follow the same pattern every year, so once you know the schedule, it’s easy to stay on top of it. The key dates, such as the 1st, 3rd, and Wednesdays based on birth days, typically stay the same unless holidays cause a change. 

When the Social Security Administration releases next year’s calendar, be sure to check for any updates. If you’re writing down payment dates or bookmarking pages, make a note to revisit them each January so you always have the most current information.

Wrapping Up: Staying on Track with Social Security Payments

 Now that you’ve got the basics down, here’s what to remember and what’s next:

Action Items

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FAQs

What is the $943 Social Security Payment?

That’s the maximum federal SSI benefit for an individual in 2024. It may be adjusted in 2025 based on cost-of-living changes.

What happens to Social Security checks when someone dies?

If a person receiving benefits passes away, their payments stop. A surviving spouse or family member should notify the SSA as soon as possible. In some cases, survivors might be eligible for continuing benefits.

What is the maximum SSI will pay?

In 2024, the maximum federal SSI benefit for individuals is $943. Based on cost-of-living changes, this number might increase slightly in 2025.