Retirement Social Security

March Social Security Payments To Come Earlier Than Usual: Here’s When It Arrives

Here’s when to expect your Social Security and SSI benefits this March.

By Adam Palasciano

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated Feb. 25, 2025

If you rely on Social Security to supplement your income, it’s important to know when to expect your payments each month. In March 2025, most Social Security recipients will receive their checks according to the typical schedule.

However, some Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will see their benefits arrive early, with deposits hitting accounts on Feb. 28, 2025. Below, we break down when you can expect your benefits based on your birth date and filing status, so you can better plan your finances.

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Your payment date can be different some months

Social Security payments follow a set schedule, but some months create exceptions. Typically, beneficiaries receive payments on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, based on their birth date. Those who filed before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI get paid their Social Security benefit on the third of the month, and their SSI benefit gets paid on the first of the month.

However, when a scheduled date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments shift earlier. That’s why SSI recipients will get their March payment on Feb. 28, 2025, rather than the usual first-of-the-month schedule. Understanding these rules can help prevent confusion and ensure you receive your funds when expected.

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When will your first March Social Security payment arrive

The first round of Social Security payments for March 2025 will arrive on the following days:

Friday, Feb. 28: SSI recipients
Monday, Mar. 3: Those who started receiving Social Security before May 1997 or who receive both Social Security and SSI benefits.

When will the rest of your March Social Security payments arrive

In March 2025, benefits will follow the standard Wednesday payment schedule:

Born between the 1st and 10th: Payment arrives on Wednesday, Mar. 12.
Born between the 11th and 20th: Payment arrives on Wednesday, Mar. 19.
Born between the 21st and 31st: Payment arrives on Wednesday, Mar. 26.

These payments follow the SSA’s regular distribution pattern, so if your birthday falls within these ranges, expect your payment on the corresponding Wednesday. Direct deposit recipients typically see their funds faster than those who elect for paper checks, which may take longer to arrive.

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When will your March Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment arrive

SSI payments are typically sent on the first of the month. However, since Mar. 1, 2025 falls on a Saturday in 2025, the payment will be issued early on Friday, Feb. 28.

This means SSI recipients will get their March benefits at the end of February rather than waiting until the first weekday of March. Those who receive both SSI and Social Security should keep in mind that while their SSI will arrive early, their Social Security payment will follow the regular March schedule.

Who to contact if your payment doesn’t arrive

If your Social Security or SSI payment doesn’t hit your bank account on the expected date, first check your account information online through my Social Security.

Sometimes, delays happen due to bank processing times. If your payment is still missing after three business days, reach out to your bank. If the issue persists, contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.

Be sure to have your Social Security number and payment details ready, as this will help speed up the resolution process.

Bottom line

Many Social Security recipients will see their March benefits arrive on the typical schedule, but some payments — including SSI — will come early on Feb. 28. Understanding your payment schedule can help you plan and stretch your retirement dollars further.

Did you know that if you ever change your banking information it’s crucial to update your details with the SSA right away to prevent delays in receiving your benefits? Additionally, setting up direct deposit can help ensure you get your payments faster and more reliably.

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