The initial round of Social Security payments for March is set to reach beneficiaries in just a few days. While your individual payment date and week generally remain consistent each month, the criteria for determining these dates can be somewhat complex. We’ll shed light on the matter.
Those receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance will see an increase in their monthly payments as well. If you’re uncertain about when your check will arrive, you’ve landed in the right spot.
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Continue reading to learn when you can expect your payment for March and how the Social Security Administration determines your payment date. Additionally, we’ll address other dates for government benefit payments.
For further information, don’t forget to check out the Social Security and SSDI cheat sheet. If you’re still awaiting your February check, see what steps to take if your Social Security payment does not arrive.
When will you receive your Social Security check?
Curious about the specific day you’ll receive your check? Here’s the Social Security and SSDI payment schedule for March.
Social Security payment schedule for March 2025
| If you have received Social Security since before May 1997 | Mar. 3 |
|---|---|
| If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th of any month | Mar. 12 |
| If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th of any month | Mar. 19 |
| If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st of any month | Mar. 26 |
Understanding how your payment date is determined
Generally, Social Security payments begin distribution on the second Wednesday of the month. The subsequent two payments are distributed on the two following Wednesdays. The timing of your payment is contingent on your birthdate. However, there is one major exception to note, which I will describe below.
| Birthdate between: | Social Security check date |
|---|---|
| 1st and the 10th | 2nd Wednesday of the month |
| 11th and the 20th | 3rd Wednesday of the month |
| 21st and 31st | 4th Wednesday of the month |
Other government benefits may not follow the same schedule
If you have been receiving Social Security benefits since prior to May 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, your payment timing is not reliant on your birthdate. Instead, payments are disbursed every month on the same designated date with a few exceptions, which I’ll clarify here.
Social Security payments are typically issued on the 3rd of each month, while SSI payments are dispatched on the 1st of the month. These dates may be altered if the 1st or 3rd falls on a weekend or holiday. For example, last year, when March 3 fell on a weekend, Social Security recipients received their payments early, on March 1.
The only benefits distributed on an identical schedule are Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance.
If your Social Security check is missing, follow these steps
If your check does not arrive as scheduled, the Social Security Administration recommends waiting an additional three mailing days before reaching out. Afterward, you can call the national toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213.
The SSA notes that “the best times to reach a representative are typically in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month.” If you are encountering difficulties contacting the SSA through the national number, you can use its office locator to find a local branch to get in touch with.
For more information, see how to apply for Social Security benefits for eligible children and how to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance.
