Social Security Payment Schedule: When Do I Get My December 2023/January 2024 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

Dec. 1: In general, you’ll be paid on Dec. 1 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.

Also, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are made on the first of each month.

Dec. 13: 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 December.

Dec. 20: 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 December.

Dec. 27: If your birthday falls after the 20th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the fourth Wednesday in December.

Dec. 29: If you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you'll receive your January 2024 payment in December. SSI payments normally go out on the first of the month, but January 1, 2024, is a holiday, so the Social Security Administration makes the payment early. For SSI recipients, this means two SSI payments in December: one on Dec. 1 and one on Dec. 29 (but no payment in January 2024).

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

Jan. 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.

Jan. 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 January.

Jan. 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 January.

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

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

Yes. There will be two SSI payments in December 2023. Normally, the January 2024 payment would go out on Jan. 1, but because Jan. 1 is a holiday, the payment will go out on Dec. 29 instead. This means SSI recipients will receive two payments in December 2023 but none in January 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.