Social Security Payment Schedule: When Do I Get My April/May Payment?

Social Security payments typically occur on the third of each month, as well as on the second, third and fourth Wednesday of each month. Your birth date typically determines your particular Social Security payment date. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments occur on the first of each month.

If you receive benefits based on someone else’s work record (spousal benefits, for example, or survivors benefits), your payment date is based on the primary beneficiary’s birthday instead of yours.

» Estimate your benefits: Try our free Social Security calculator

April 1 and 3: If you're receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, you'll receive your SSI payment on the first and your Social Security payment on the third.

April 3: You’ll receive a Social Security payment if:

• You live outside the U.S.

• You receive both SSI and Social Security benefits. 

• Your state pays your Medicare premiums.

• You filed for Social Security benefits before 1997.

April 10: If your birthday falls on any day from the first to the 10th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the second Wednesday in April.

April 17: If your birthday falls on any day from the 11th to the 20th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the third Wednesday in April.

April 24: If your birthday falls after the 20th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the fourth Wednesday in April.

»MORE: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) vs Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

May 1 and 3: If you're receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, you'll receive your SSI payment on the first and your Social Security payment on the third.

May 3: You’ll receive a Social Security payment if:

• You live outside the U.S.

• You receive both SSI and Social Security benefits. 

• Your state pays your Medicare premiums.

• You filed for Social Security benefits before 1997.

May 8: If your birthday falls on any day from the first to the 10th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the second Wednesday in May.

May 15: If your birthday falls on any day from the 11th to the 20th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the third Wednesday in May.

May 22: If your birthday falls after the 20th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the fourth Wednesday in May.

» MORE: See the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits pay chart

Yes. There will be two SSI payments in May 2024. Normally, the June 2024 payment would go out on June 1, but because June 1 is on the weekend, the payment will go out on May 31 instead. This means SSI recipients will receive two payments in May 2024 but none in June 2024. This pattern will also occur in August 2024 and November 2024.

» MORE: See our list of phone numbers to the Social Security Administration

The Social Security payment schedule follows this pattern ^[0]

• First day of each month. Supplemental Security Income payments come on the first of each month.

• Third day of each month. If you live in a foreign country, receive SSI, have your Medicare premiums paid for by your state or if you filed for benefits before 1997, your Social Security retirement benefit payment arrives on the third of each month (or the previous weekday if the third is a weekend or holiday).

• Second Wednesday of each month. If your birthday is between the first and the 10th, expect your payment on the second Wednesday of each month.

• Third Wednesday of each month. If your birthday is between the 11th and the 20th, expect your payment on the third Wednesday of each month.

• Fourth Wednesday of each month. If your birthday falls after the 20th, expect your payment on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

» Learn more: Medicare premiums and deductibles

You’ll receive your payment early if your payment date falls on a weekend or holiday. Such payments will be issued on the weekday immediately prior to your expected payment date^[0]

» MORE: See if your Social Security benefits are taxable

Federal law states that Social Security benefits (and all other federal benefits) must be paid electronically through direct deposit to your bank account or onto a Direct Express Debit Mastercard — with only a few rare exceptions^[0]

Although electronic payment should virtually eliminate the risk of lost or stolen funds, delays and other issues can still happen. That’s why it’s still important to know what to do if your Social Security payment doesn’t turn up when you expect it.

1. If your electronic payment is late, reach out to your bank or financial institution first. The issue may be nothing more than a bank delay in posting payments to your account. 

2. If there hasn’t been a posting delay and your funds are genuinely missing, lost or stolen, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office. The Social Security Administration will review your case and replace the missing payment.

3. If you’re living in the United States and are one of the rare individuals still receiving paper checks, wait until three business days after your check is usually mailed before taking action. If your check still hasn’t arrived at that point, contact the Social Security Administration so your case can be reviewed — and if necessary, a replacement payment can be issued.