Social Security Payment Late? 5 Reasons It Happens and What To Do

If you're a retiree living on a fixed income, taking advantage of your monthly Social Security benefit is one of the smartest money moves seniors like you can make. But your budgeting can be thrown into disarray if one of your payments fails to come through on time.

If your Social Security payment didn't arrive when expected, don't panic — but do take action. Below, we'll explain Social Security payment schedules, then give you a list of ways to get your payment as soon as possible.

First, it's important to understand how the Social Security payment schedule works. For most retirees, payments are based on the day of your birth — not your birth year or birth month, but the calendar date on which you were born. Depending on that number, you'll be paid on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month.

The payment schedule breaks down as follows:

• If your birthdate is between the 1st and 10th, you get your Social Security benefit on the second Wednesday of the month.
• If your birthdate is between the 11th and 20th, you get your Social Security benefit on the third Wednesday of the month.
• If your birthdate is between the 21st and 31st, you get your Social Security benefit on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments along with a Social Security benefit, you'll get your SSI check on the first of the month and your Social Security payment on the third of the month. And if you started getting Social Security benefits prior to May 1997, you'll also receive Social Security payments on the third day of the month.

Didn't get your payment in time? Here are the most common reasons your payment could be delayed.

Depending on the bank and the payment method, it can take a bank between one and three business days to process a deposit. For this reason, the Social Security Administration (SSA) advises beneficiaries who haven't received their payment to wait three business days before trying to get in touch with the SSA.

Social Security payments aren't made on dates that fall on a federal holiday. Instead, they are made on the first preceding business day. For instance, if Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday, payments will be made on the earliest non-holiday business day closest to the holiday, which usually means the Tuesday of that same week.

Whenever you move, you should be sure to update the SSA with your current address. If you don't update your address, your check could be delayed until you do so.

Similarly, you need to update and edit your bank account information with the SSA anytime your banking details change. If you changed banks or closed an account, you should inform the SSA of these changes, and if you didn't receive a check, make sure you listed the right account and routing numbers on your online Social Security portal.

If the SSA notices any discrepancies with your personal information, such as your identity, address, contact information, bank, employment information, or reported income, they might put an administrative hold on your account until they can verify the problem. Issues like identity theft or fraud can trigger a hold, as can failing to update your address when you move.

If your check didn't arrive on time, start by contacting your bank the next business day to determine if they've received any payments for processing. It could be that your check is taking longer than usual to clear, but the amount will hit your account soon.

Next, log on to your online Social Security account to verify that your address, bank account information, and contact information are all correct and up to date.

After three business days, if your bank hasn't received the deposit and there isn't a problem with your online account, it's time to get in touch with the SSA. You can call them directly at 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY at 1-800-325-0778).

If you'd rather talk to someone in person, you can search the online directory to find your nearest Social Security field office. You may need to schedule an appointment before you visit, so if you need your check right away, it's best to call the toll-free number to get help now.

Whether you call the SSA or make an appointment with your nearest field office, it's a good idea to have your Social Security Number, routing and account information, address, and proof of your identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. You should also have any relevant documentation related to your claim, and something that verifies your address.

Unfortunately, if you don't receive your Social Security payment on time, there aren't any federal financial resources to tide you over. However, if you're applying for SSI benefits for the first time, you may qualify for a one-time emergency advance payment (EAP) if the SSA determines that you're likely to be approved for SSI and have a qualified financial emergency.

In this case, the advance is later deducted from your first regular SSI payment once your application is fully processed and approved.

While you can't control for every unforeseen circumstance, you can minimize your chances of missing a payment by keeping your mySocialSecurity account information up to date. Check your account periodically to make sure your information is correct, and be sure to update your address and bank account details immediately after changes occur.

It also pays to stay on top of the Social Security payment schedule, which you can find online. That way, unexpected early payments or schedule changes won't take you by surprise.

If missing a Social Security payment puts a huge strain on your budget, it could be time to consider ways to supplement your Social Security income.

Taking a step as simple as picking up a part-time delivery job can alleviate some of your financial anxiety and ensure you continue to enjoy a peaceful retirement.