September 2024 Social Security payment amounts and timing

Social Security payment amounts in September 2024 remain the same as they were in August. The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that raises payment amounts each year takes effect in January, not in September. If your payment changed in September, the reason was a change in your personal circumstances — a work record update, a change in your filing status, or a correction to your account — not a scheduled payment increase.

Payment dates in September follow the same schedule as every other month. The Social Security Administration sends payments on the second, third, and fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, you receive payment on the second Wednesday. If it falls between the 11th and 20th, you receive payment on the third Wednesday. If it falls between the 21st and 31st, you receive payment on the fourth Wednesday. This schedule applies whether you receive payments by direct deposit or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security payment amounts do not change in September; the annual increase happens in January based on inflation data from the previous year.
  • Payments arrive on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month depending on whether your birthday falls in the first, second, or third ten days of any month.
  • If your September payment was different from August, check your Social Security account online or call 1-800-772-1213 to find out what changed on your record.
  • You can view your payment schedule for the entire year on the Social Security Administration website or in your my Social Security account.

When the annual cost-of-living adjustment takes effect

The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is announced in October each year and takes effect the following January. The adjustment is based on inflation data from July, August, and September of the previous year. For example, the January 2024 COLA was announced in October 2023 and reflected inflation from summer 2023. The January 2025 COLA will be announced in October 2024 and will reflect inflation from summer 2024.

The Social Security Administration publishes the COLA percentage on its website in October. You can also find it in your annual Social Security statement, which arrives in the mail or is available in your my Social Security account. The new payment amount takes effect with your first payment in January of the following year.

How to check your September payment date and amount

The fastest way to see your payment schedule is to log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Once you are signed in, select "Payments" and then "View payment history." This page shows every payment you received, the date it was sent, and the amount. You can also see your upcoming payment dates for the rest of the year.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth. The site will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading documents. Once your account is set up, you can check your payment information anytime without calling.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are shorter early in the morning and later in the week.

What to do if your September payment was late or incorrect

If your payment did not arrive on the expected date, first check whether you received it a day or two later. Banks sometimes hold deposits for a business day, and mail delivery can vary by location. If more than two business days have passed since your scheduled payment date and you have not received it, log into your my Social Security account and check the payment history page to confirm the payment was sent.

If the payment was sent but you did not receive it, contact your bank or the postal service, depending on how you receive payments. If you receive payments by direct deposit, call your bank's customer service line with your account number and the payment date. If you receive payments by mail, file a claim with the Postal Service at usps.com or call 1-800-275-8777.

If your payment amount was lower or higher than expected, the reason is usually a change to your record. Common reasons include a work record update, a change in your marital status, or a correction made by the Social Security Administration. Log into your my Social Security account and look for a message explaining the change, or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.

How payment dates work if you were born on the 31st

If your birthday is on the 31st of any month, the Social Security Administration treats it as falling in the third group (the 21st through 31st). This means you receive your payment on the fourth Wednesday of each month. In months that have fewer than 31 days, your birthday is still counted as the 31st for payment purposes.

This rule applies consistently throughout the year. You will always receive your payment on the fourth Wednesday, even in months like February or April that do not have a 31st day.

Payment schedule for the rest of 2024

The Social Security Administration publishes its payment schedule for the entire year on ssa.gov. You can also find it in your my Social Security account under "Payments." The schedule shows the exact date your payment will arrive based on your birth date.

If you receive payments by direct deposit, the money typically arrives in your account on the scheduled date. If you receive payments by mail, allow an extra week for delivery. The Social Security Administration mails checks several days before the scheduled payment date to account for postal delivery time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my Social Security payment change in September?

The annual payment increase happens in January, not September. If your payment changed in September, something on your record changed — such as a work record update, a change in your marital status, or a correction made by the Social Security Administration. Log into your my Social Security account or call 1-800-772-1213 to find out what changed.

When will I see the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment?

The 2025 COLA will be announced in October 2024 and will take effect with your first payment in January 2025. The adjustment is based on inflation data from July, August, and September 2024. You can check the Social Security Administration website in October to see the percentage increase.

What if I receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income?

Social Security payments and SSI payments follow different schedules. Social Security payments arrive on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday based on your birth date. SSI payments arrive on the first of each month. If you receive both, you will have two separate payment dates each month.

Can I change when my payment arrives?

You cannot change the date your payment arrives, but you can change how you receive it. You can switch from direct deposit to mail or from mail to direct deposit by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Changes typically take effect within one to two months.

What happens to my payment if I miss a month?

Social Security does not skip payments. If you are may have access to to a payment in a given month, you will receive it on your scheduled date. The only exception is if the Social Security Administration suspends your benefits due to a change in your circumstances, such as exceeding the earnings limit if you are under full retirement age and still working.