Social Security sends March payments on three different dates, depending on your birth date and payment type
The Social Security Administration schedules benefit payments throughout the month rather than sending them all at once. In March, payments go out on three separate dates: the third Wednesday (March 20), plus two additional dates for people on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Your specific payment date depends on when you were born and which program you receive benefits from.
Knowing your payment date matters because it tells you when to expect the deposit in your bank account. If you have bills due on a certain day or need to plan your monthly budget, you need to know which date applies to you. The Social Security Administration publishes these dates each year so you can mark your calendar.
Key Takeaways
- Most Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries receive payments on the third Wednesday of each month, which falls on March 20 in 2024.
- Your payment date within that month depends on your birth date: people born on the 1st through 10th get paid on the second Wednesday, the 11th through 20th on the third Wednesday, and the 21st through 31st on the fourth Wednesday.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients receive payments on the first and third of each month, so March SSI payments arrive on March 1 and March 15.
- You can confirm your specific payment date by logging into your my Social Security account or calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
How the Social Security Administration schedules retirement and disability payments
The Social Security Administration divides beneficiaries into three groups based on birth date. This system has been in place since 1997 and allows the agency to spread payment processing across the month.
If you were born between the 1st and 10th of any month, you receive your payment on the second Wednesday of the month. For March 2024, that date is March 13. If you were born between the 11th and 20th, your payment arrives on the third Wednesday, which is March 20. If you were born on the 21st through the 31st, you receive your payment on the fourth Wednesday, which is March 27.
This applies to Social Security retirement benefits, survivor benefits, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The birth-date system does not explore to Supplemental Security Income, which follows a different schedule.
Supplemental Security Income payment dates in March
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a needs-based program separate from Social Security retirement and disability insurance. The Social Security Administration pays SSI recipients on the first and third of every month, regardless of birth date.
In March, SSI payments arrive on March 1 (Friday) and March 15 (Friday). If you receive SSI, you will get two payments that month on those dates. If the first or third falls on a weekend or holiday, the Social Security Administration sends the payment on the business day before.
What happens if you receive both Social Security and SSI
Some people receive both a Social Security benefit (retirement, disability, or survivor) and a Supplemental Security Income payment. When this occurs, you receive two separate payments in March: one on your Social Security payment date and one on your SSI payment date.
The two payments come from different programs and are deposited separately, though they may arrive on the same day or within a few days of each other depending on your birth date. Your bank account will show them as two distinct transactions.
How to confirm your specific March payment date
The easiest way to find your payment date is to log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Once you sign in, your payment date appears on your dashboard under "Payment Information." You can also view your payment history and see when past payments were deposited.
If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one for free at ssa.gov. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity. If you prefer not to use the online account, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and speak with a representative who can tell you your payment date.
Some people receive a paper check instead of a direct deposit. If you get a paper check, it is mailed several days before the payment date, so it should arrive around the time of your scheduled payment.
What to do if your payment does not arrive on the expected date
Direct deposits typically arrive in your bank account on the scheduled payment date, though some banks may take an extra day to process the deposit. If your payment does not appear within one business day of your scheduled date, contact your bank first to confirm the deposit has not been delayed on their end.
If your bank confirms the payment has not arrived, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready and be prepared to describe when you expected the payment. The Social Security Administration can check whether the payment was sent and help you resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Social Security payment date?
No, the Social Security Administration assigns your payment date based on your birth date and cannot change it. Your payment date remains the same every month unless you switch between programs (for example, from retirement to disability benefits).
Why does Social Security split payments across different dates?
The Social Security Administration spreads payments across the month to manage the volume of transactions and reduce processing strain on the banking system. This system has been in place since 1997 and applies to all beneficiaries except SSI recipients.
Do I get paid on weekends or holidays?
No. If your scheduled payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the Social Security Administration sends your payment on the business day before. For example, if the third Wednesday falls on a holiday, you receive your payment on Tuesday.
What if I need my money before my payment date?
The Social Security Administration cannot advance payments or change your payment date. If you face a financial emergency, you may want to explore other resources in your community, such as local information programs or nonprofits that help with when ready needs.
How do I switch from paper checks to direct deposit?
You can set up direct deposit through your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. Direct deposit is faster and more find than paper checks, and you will receive your payment on the same scheduled date.