When to Expect Your Social Security Checks: An Overview

When your monthly Social Security payment arrives is crucial to managing your finances. Retirement or disability benefits are typically paid on the same day each month, so you can count on receiving that money while you plan your monthly budget.

You may receive your Social Security check on three Wednesdays depending on your birthday. Your Social Security check will arrive on a different Wednesday depending on your birthday; individuals whose birthdays are later in the month will receive their checks later.

Remember that there are circumstances under which you may be granted an alternative payment due date. You should also be aware of the changes to your Social Security payments, retirement age, and taxable earnings that the Social Security Administration implemented for 2023. Learn more about what is social security checks below and when do social security checks come.

Average Social Security Check

Most people associate Social Security with retirees solely. Still, it also provides benefits to people with disabilities, retirees' wives and minor children, and the spouses and minor children of employees who have passed away. The amounts distributed throughout the various categories are very different.

Retire workers typically earn $1,830.66 monthly, about 8 percent higher than the national average among those receiving Social Security. Most Social Security funds (77.9 percent) are allocated to retirees as retirement benefits. Spouses and young children of retirees receive the remaining amount, typically between $860 and $900 a month.

Social Security benefits paid out to survivors comprise about 8.8 percent. Non-disabled widows and widowers receive the most money ($1,710.46 monthly on average). Disabled workers receive the largest share of disability insurance payments (13.2 percent) and the highest average payout ($1,483.17) from Social Security.

When Are Social Security Checks Deposited?

Your Social Security checks will be deposited into your bank account on one of three monthly Wednesdays. The Wednesday on which you receive your paycheck depends on your birthday. The retirement, disability, and survivor benefit payment schedules are identical.

However, if you collect benefits on someone else's behalf, the payments will be staggered according to the other person's birthday, not your own. For example, if you are claiming survivor's benefits after a recent death in the family, your birthday would not play a role in determining when you start receiving payments.

Remember that some forms of government assistance, such as SSI, have unique payment schedules. The SSI program is exempt from the "no-Wednesday" policy. Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will now be sent on the first of the month.

When Do Social Security Checks Come Out?

You must apply to receive Social Security benefits. Applying for Social Security benefits can be done online at ssa.gov or in person by scheduling an appointment. Start this process early to reduce the likelihood of unpleasant shocks later on.

Stop putting it off till the last minute. A good time to start the procedure is three or four months before you want to begin receiving payments. Now is the moment to double-check that you have everything you need to claim any benefits you are entitled to.

Considerations When You Plan Your Social Security Retirement Age.

Your Expected Lifespan

There is a reduction in benefits if you claim Social Security early, but you will receive payments for longer. However, if you wait to collect Social Security, you'll receive greater payments, but there will be fewer overall.

A greater monthly payment could be worth waiting for if you believe your life expectancy will exceed the national average. On the other hand, if you're not in good health and you know or suspect that you won't live to a glorious old age, you can grab life by the horns while you still can.

Money Requirements

The timing of when you begin collecting Social Security payments is flexible if you want to retire early and have access to adequate resources, like a traditional pension, a sizable investment portfolio, and other sources of income.

Deciding can be less leeway if you depend on Social Security income. Until you reach your full retirement age, or even later, you may want to consider delaying retirement or working part-time to increase your benefits.

Marital Status

Your spouse's age, health, and benefits, especially if they are the larger earner, should be among your first considerations if you are married. At full retirement age, for instance, you can collect your entire retirement benefit or half of your spouse's benefit.

If you and your ex-spouse were married for 10 years or more before the divorce, you might receive up to half of your ex's full retirement income from their Social Security record. Remember that if your ex-spouse utilizes your record, it will not affect your benefits or the benefits of your current spouse.

In the event of a spouse's death, the survivor is entitled to either their retirement benefits or up to 100% of the deceased spouse's benefits. Work with a financial adviser, if possible, to maximize the value of your worker's, spouse's, and survivor's benefits.

The Social Security Tax

Some Social Security checks may be subject to taxation, depending on your income. If your retirement income is above a specific threshold, the government may tax a portion of your Social Security payments.

Up to half of a single filer's benefits will be subject to taxation if their income is between $25,000 and $34,000. If their annual income is over $34,000, they may have to pay taxes on as much as 85% of their benefits.

Half of the benefits for married couples filing may be subject to taxation if their combined annual income is between $32,000 and $44,000. If their annual income exceeds $44,000, up to 85 percent of the benefit will be subject to taxation.

Conclusion:

If you are worried about the stability of Social Security or the possibility of changes, you may be motivated to begin receiving payments as soon as possible. Regardless of your specific circumstances, worrying about the long-term viability of Social Security is terrific motivation to start saving more for retirement sooner rather than later.