When to Expect Your Social Security Checks
I am planning to retire and apply for my Social Security benefits in July. When can I expect my first check and what are my options for receiving my monthly payments?
Generally, Social Security retirement benefits, as well as disability and survivor benefits, are paid in the month after the month they are due. If you would like to start receiving your Social Security benefits in July, your July benefits will be distributed in August.
The day of the month you receive your benefit payment will depend on your birthdate. Here is the schedule of when you can expect to receive your monthly check:
If you were born on the:
You should also know that for Social Security beneficiaries who started receiving benefits before 1997, their Social Security checks are paid on the third day of the month.
To get a complete schedule of 2022 payment dates, visit SSA.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031-2022.pdf.
There are two ways you can receive your Social Security benefits. Most beneficiaries choose direct deposit into their bank or credit union account because it is simple, safe and secure. But if you do not want this option or you do not have a bank account that your payments can be deposited into, you can get a Direct Express Debit MasterCard and have your benefits deposited into your card's account.
This card can be used to get cash from ATMs, banks or credit union tellers, pay bills online and over the phone, make purchases at stores that accept Debit MasterCard and get cash back when you make those purchases. You can also purchase money orders at the U.S. Post Office. The money you spend or withdraw is automatically deducted from your account. You can check your balance any time by phone, online or at ATMs.
There are no costs to sign up for the card, no monthly fees and no overdraft charges. There are, however, some small fees for optional services you need to be aware of, such as multiple ATM withdrawals. Currently, cardholders get one free ATM withdrawal per month, but additional monthly withdrawals cost 85 cents each not including a surcharge if you use a non-network ATM. To learn more, visit USDirectExpress.com or call 800-333-1795.
The Social Security Administration recommends that you apply for benefits three months before you want to start receiving checks. This will give you enough time to make sure you have all the information needed to complete the application. See SSA.gov/hlp/isba/10/isba-checklist.pdf for a checklist of what you will need.
You can apply for your Social Security benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone at 800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office – call first to make an appointment.
Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
Generally, Social Security retirement benefits, as well as disability and survivor benefits, are paid in the month after the month they are due. If you would like to start receiving your Social Security benefits in July, your July benefits will be distributed in August.
The day of the month you receive your benefit payment will depend on your birthdate. Here is the schedule of when you can expect to receive your monthly check:
If you were born on the:
- 1st through the 10th of the month: Expect your check to be deposited on the second Wednesday of each month.
- 11th through the 20th of the month: Expect your check to be deposited on the third Wednesday of each month.
- 21st through the 31st of the month: Expect your check to be deposited on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
You should also know that for Social Security beneficiaries who started receiving benefits before 1997, their Social Security checks are paid on the third day of the month.
To get a complete schedule of 2022 payment dates, visit SSA.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031-2022.pdf.
Receiving Options
There are two ways you can receive your Social Security benefits. Most beneficiaries choose direct deposit into their bank or credit union account because it is simple, safe and secure. But if you do not want this option or you do not have a bank account that your payments can be deposited into, you can get a Direct Express Debit MasterCard and have your benefits deposited into your card's account.
This card can be used to get cash from ATMs, banks or credit union tellers, pay bills online and over the phone, make purchases at stores that accept Debit MasterCard and get cash back when you make those purchases. You can also purchase money orders at the U.S. Post Office. The money you spend or withdraw is automatically deducted from your account. You can check your balance any time by phone, online or at ATMs.
There are no costs to sign up for the card, no monthly fees and no overdraft charges. There are, however, some small fees for optional services you need to be aware of, such as multiple ATM withdrawals. Currently, cardholders get one free ATM withdrawal per month, but additional monthly withdrawals cost 85 cents each not including a surcharge if you use a non-network ATM. To learn more, visit USDirectExpress.com or call 800-333-1795.
When and How to Apply
The Social Security Administration recommends that you apply for benefits three months before you want to start receiving checks. This will give you enough time to make sure you have all the information needed to complete the application. See SSA.gov/hlp/isba/10/isba-checklist.pdf for a checklist of what you will need.
You can apply for your Social Security benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone at 800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office – call first to make an appointment.
Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
Published April 22, 2022
