Retirees trying to stick to a budget will want to know when to expect their 2021 Social Security benefits checks each month. However, not everyone gets their checks on the same day – it depends on what day of the month you were born.

When will Social Security make 2021 payments?

When is your birthday?

If your birthday is between the first and the 10th of the month, you’ll get your benefits on the second Wednesday of the month.

If your birthday is between the 11th and the 20th, Social Security benefits are deposited on the third Wednesday of the month.

If your birthday falls between the 21st and the 31st of the month, your benefits are deposited on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

If there’s a Wednesday holiday, your benefits are deposited a day early. Looking at the calendar for 2021, the only holiday that falls on a Wednesday is Inauguration Day on January 20. If you are scheduled to get your benefits on that Wednesday, you’ll get them a day early, on Tuesday the 19th.

You can find this schedule in calendar form on the Social Security Administration website.

There are a few exceptions to these dates.

Children and spouses who receive benefits based on someone else’s work record will receive their benefits on the day corresponding with the primary person’s birthday.

Some people will always receive their benefits on the third of the month. These folks include:

• People who filed for benefits before May 1, 1997
• People who also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• If your Medicare premiums are paid by the state
• People who live in a foreign county

Tip:

The Social Security Administration typically increases benefits annually, based on inflation. These increases are called cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs.

When do SSI recipients get their Social Security Payments?

If you get SSI benefits only, (and not in combination with social security benefits), the SSI payment schedule for 2020 schedules deposits on the first of the month. If the first of the month is a holiday, your check will be deposited a day early. So, for example, the January 1st payment should have been deposited on the 31st of December.

How will I receive my payments?

The SSA used to send checks, but now they require everyone to receive their benefits electronically. This is much more efficient, as the funds are available on the day they are issued. Also, Social Security checks were sometimes lost in the mail or stolen, resulting in delays.

If you already have a bank account, it’s very easy to have your checks deposited electronically. You’ll need:

• Your Social Security Number
• Your bank account’s routing number
• Account type (checking or savings)
• Account number

If you don’t have a bank account or prefer not to receive your benefits by direct deposit, the SSA also offers a Direct Express® card. This is a prepaid debit card you can use to access your payments. You can use this card the same way you would any other debit card. You can make purchases, pay bills or get cash. Most transactions are free.

Plan for a better future

Get an affordable, professionally prepared retirement plan today.

Get Started →

Next Steps

Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming. If you need help budgeting your Social Security money, or you have other questions concerning your retirement, talk to a Certified Financial Planner® at Retirable. We can help you get a head start on retirement planning by evaluating your financial profile and your goals. A comfortable, secure retirement is waiting for you!