The upcoming installment of Social Security payments for March is on its way. Beneficiaries who have been receiving Social Security since before May 1997, along with those who receive both Social Security and Supplementary Security Income, should have already seen their payments processed. For the remaining beneficiaries, payments will be rolled out over the next few weeks. Let’s break it down.
Thanks to the increase in COLA, individuals receiving Social Security as well as those on Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance will notice a boost in their monthly payments. If you are uncertain about when to expect your check, you are in the right place.
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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 will address other government benefit payment schedules.
Don’t forget to check the Social Security and SSDI cheat sheet. If you’re still waiting for your February check, review what steps to take if your Social Security payment hasn’t arrived.
When to expect your Social Security check
Curious about the specific day of the month you will 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 falls between the 1st and 10th of any given month | Mar. 12 |
| If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any given month | Mar. 19 |
| If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any given month | Mar. 26 |
Understanding your payment date
Social Security payments typically start being distributed on the second Wednesday of the month. The subsequent two payments will occur on the following two Wednesdays. The timing of your payment is linked to your birth date. There is a notable exception that I will explain shortly.
| 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 vary in payment dates
If you have been receiving Social Security benefits since before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, your payment date is not determined by your birth date. Instead, these payments are issued monthly on consistent dates with a few exceptions, which I will elaborate on here.
Social Security payments are scheduled for the 3rd of each month, while SSI payments are disbursed on the 1st. These dates may change if the 1st or 3rd falls on a weekend or holiday. For example, March 3 of the previous year was on a weekend, prompting Social Security recipients to receive their March payments two days early, on March 1.
The only benefits that share the same schedule are Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance.
Steps to take if your Social Security check is missing
If your check does not arrive when expected, the Social Security Administration advises waiting an additional three mailing days before reaching out. After this period, you can call the national toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213.
The SSA states that “wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month.” If you experience difficulty contacting the SSA via the national number, you can use the office locator to find a local office to assist you.
For additional information, explore how to apply for Social Security benefits for eligible children and discover how to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance.
