If you plan to retire soon, you are probably wondering when you will receive the monthly retirement benefits. Social Security benefits are paid each month.
Generally, new retirees receive their benefits on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the day in the month the retiree was born. If you receive benefits as a spouse, your benefit payment date will be determined by your spouse’s birth date.
Here’s a chart showing how your monthly payment date is determined:
Day of the Month You Were Born/ Social Security Benefits Paid On
1st–10th/Second Wednesday
11th–20th/Third Wednesday
21st–31st/Fourth Wednesday
For a calendar showing actual payment dates, see the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/calendar.htm.
To complete your retirement application online, which you can complete and submit in as little as 15 minutes, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire.