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• July 3: Social Security payments for people who’ve received Social Security since before May 1997. 
• July 10: Social Security payments for people with birthdays falling between the first and 10th of any given month.
• July 17: Social Security payments for people with birthdays falling between the 11th and 20th of any given month. 
• July 24: Social Security payments for people with birthdays falling between the 21st and 31st of any given month.

How does the agency determine my Social Security payment date?

The Social Security Administration typically sends out payments on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Which day you receive your check depends on your birthday. 

• If your birthday falls between the first and 10th of the month, your payment will be sent the second Wednesday of the month.
• If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of the month, your payment will be sent the third Wednesday of the month.
• If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of the month, your payment will be sent the fourth Wednesday of the month.

Payments for SSI recipients generally arrive on the first of each month, with a few exceptions that we’ll explain below.

Smart Money Advice on the Topics That Matter to You

CNET Money brings financial insights, trends and news to your inbox every Wednesday.

Will I receive both Social Security and SSI payments on the same day?

If you received Social Security benefits before May 1997, or if you received both Social Security and SSI, the payment schedule is different. Instead of getting your payments on a Wednesday, you’ll receive your Social Security payment on the third day of each month and your SSI on the first day of each month.

Those payment dates change if the first or third day of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday. For instance, March 3 fell on a weekend, so Social Security recipients received their March payments two days early, on March 1. 

What if I don’t receive my Social Security check?

If your check doesn’t arrive on the date listed above — or doesn’t arrive at all — the Social Security Administration advises waiting three additional mailing days before reaching out. After that, you can speak with a representative at 800-772-1213. (The SSA notes that wait times are shorter Wednesday through Friday and between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.)

You can also access your Social Security benefits online.
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