Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month for which they are due. For example, the January benefit is paid in February.
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.
Here's how it works:
- If the birthday is on the 1st through the 10th, you are paid on the second Wednesday of each month.
- If the birthday is on the 11th through the 20th, you are paid on the third Wednesday of the month.
- If the birthday is on the 21st through the 31st, you are paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
The Social Security Administration adopted this staggered schedule in June 1997. Prior to that, all benefit payments went out on the third day of the month, but that became unwieldy as the number of beneficiaries grew.
Most people who started receiving benefits before May 1, 1997, are still paid on the third of the month. The third is also the monthly pay date for these groups of Social Security beneficiaries:
- Those who live abroad.
- Those enrolled in Medicare Savings Programs, which provide state financial help for paying Medicare premiums.
- Those who collect both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If you are in this group, you get your SSI on the first of the month and your Social Security on the third.
Social Security has an online calendar showing all the payment dates for 2022.
Keep in mind
- Social Security no longer pays benefits by check. You can receive benefits by direct deposit or via a Direct Express debit card.
- If a scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are made on the first preceding day that isn't a Saturday, Sunday or holiday.
05/23/2022
Social Security payments are benefits made to disabled people and retirees, and to their children, spouses and survivors. Every month millions of Americans rely on social security, But social security payment schedules aren’t always easy to find, which can be frustrating when you’re waiting for the direct deposit to come in.
In fact, more than one sixth of the US population awaits these payment dates every month. Whether you’re retired, disabled, or your spouse or parent has passed away, you probably want to know the social security pay dates in 2022 – especially since payments have increased by 5.9% in line with the highest increase in living costs for 40 years.
The date when you receive your social security payments can depend on various factors, including your birthday. To work out what day your SSI will be paid in 2022, we’ve pulled together all the information you need.
The dates to be aware of
The date of your social security payment depends on when your birthday falls in the month. SSI is always deposited on a Wednesday, so you can work out the exact day your monthly social security payments will come in based on this social security payment schedule.
- If your birthday is on the 1st-10th of the month, you’ll be paid on the second Wednesday of each month.
- If your birthday is on the 11th-20th of the month, you’ll be paid on the third Wednesday of each month.
- If your birthday is on the 21st-31st of the month, you’ll be paid on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
How much is the average social security payment?
Inflation is at its highest rate since 1982, so the cost-of-living adjustment for 2022 is up 5.9%. This means that the average retired worker’s benefit will increase by $93 up to $1,658. Spousal benefits will be up by an average of $47 to $841. To work out your newly increased payment, multiply your current social security payment amount by 0.059.
What time does a social security direct deposit occur?
Usually, social security checks arrive at midnight the night before your scheduled payment date. So, if your deposit is due on Wednesday 6th March, it should be in your account when you check at midnight on Tuesday 5th.
However, as with all bank transfers and money sending, there can be delays. So, it’s advised that you wait for 24 hours before contacting social security about a missed payment.
When will I receive my social security check this month?
Once you know what week of the month you’ll receive your social security payments, it’s easy to work out which date your monthly payments will come in.
If your birthday falls between 1-10th of the month | If your birthday falls between 11-20th of the month | If your birthday falls between 21-31st of the month | |
January | January 12, 2022 | January 19, 2022 | January 26, 2022 |
February | February 9, 2022 | February 16, 2022 | February 23, 2022 |
March | March 9, 2022 | March 16, 2022 | March 23, 2022 |
April | April 13, 2022 | April 20, 2022 | April 27, 2022 |
May | May 11, 2022 | May 18, 2022 | May 25, 2022 |
June | June 8, 2022 | June 15, 2022 | June 22, 2022 |
July | July 13, 2022 | July 20, 2022 | July 27, 2022 |
August | August 10, 2022 | August 17, 2022 | August 24, 2022 |
September | September 14, 2022 | September 21, 2022 | September 28, 2022 |
October | October 12, 2022 | October 19, 2022 | October 26, 2022 |
November | November 9, 2022 | November 16, 2022 | November 23, 2022 |
December | December 14, 2022 | December 21, 2022 | December 28, 2022 |
Cashing a social security check
If you have a checking account, you can receive your social security payment by direct debit every month. But if you prefer to receive your check in the mail, there are different options for how to cash it.
You can take your social security check to be cashed or deposited at your local bank, or via a third-party service like Money Services at the Kroger Family of Stores. You’ll just need your check and some ID to prove it’s yours. Named recipients must be present for a check to be cashed, so if the check is for more than one person, everyone named will need to be there.
Your social security check can also be directly deposited onto a prepaid credit card, which you can reload with more funds later. Reloading your prepaid credit card at Money Services is a great way to limit your spending and stick to a budget, as you can then use it to shop anywhere.
And when the time comes to cash your social security check, head to your local Money Services to get your funds quickly – just make sure you have your ID with you.
Need to cash your social security check? Find your local store and visit us today.