The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just confirmed payment dates for seniors this month. As March has arrived, the first round of Social Security payments has been disbursed a few days early. Citizens who were eligible for SSI payments, retirees who had been receiving benefits before May 1997, and those who live outside of the United States received their payments last Friday, on the 1st of March.
Remember that the payment schedule for Social Security and SSI benefits will differ if you qualify for both. Instead of receiving payments on Wednesdays, you will receive your Social Security payment on the third of each month and your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment on the first of each month.
However, those payment dates can change if the first or third day of the month falls on a weekend or a holiday. For example, because March 3 is a weekend, Social Security recipients received their March payments two days earlier, on March 1.
Social Security payment dates confirmed for seniors
Based on the financial assistance program and birthdate range, the Social Security payment schedule for March 2024 is shown in the following table. To get the complete payment schedule for the year, check the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments 2024.
| Social Security Financial Programs | Date | Payment date |
| SSI benefits and Retirement (Born before May 1997) | March 1st | Payment always falls on the first of each month. |
| Retirement and SSDI benefits | 2nd Wednesday (March 13th)
3rd Wednesday (March 20th) 4th Wednesday (March 27th) |
Birthdate range: 1st–10th.
Birthdate range: 11th–20th. Birthdate range: 21st–31st. |
How much will seniors receive in March’s monthly payments?
Seniors enrolled in the Social Security retirement program can anticipate receiving an average of $3,800 in March, with the maximum amount being $4,800. However, several factors will cause this payment amount to differ. The recipient’s average lifetime earnings subject to Social Security tax are the main determinant of the benefit amount; higher earnings generally translate into a higher monthly benefit.
Furthermore, the monthly amount is decreased when benefits are claimed before the Full Retirement Age (FRA) and increased when benefits are delayed past the FRA. Lastly, depending on certain rules, the total amount may be further modified if a recipient receives both Social Security disability benefits and retirement benefits. It is essential to comprehend these elements to plan for your retirement and understand the Social Security system.
Steps to take if your check is late
If you haven’t received your expected check, follow these steps:
- Wait three business days after the expected payment date. Delays do happen on occasion, so a short wait is acceptable.
- Check that your payment date is correct. To be sure you are aware of the accurate date, double-check your benefit statement on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website.
- Contact your bank. If it has been more than three business days and you have still not received your check, contact your bank to see if the payment is pending or if any issues with your account are causing the delay.
- Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). If your bank confirms that there are no problems on their end and the check has not arrived within three business days, you can contact the SSA, report the delay online, or visit your nearest SSA office.
Be ready to give the SSA your Social Security number, address, phone number, and the anticipated date of your check when you get in touch with them. Last but not least, try to be patient. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue a replacement check if they find that your check was lost or stolen.