Although the United States Social Security Administration sends checks monthly without delay, there can always be a hiccup. In this regard, most of the reasons for delays are due to technical problems and easily fixable errors. Therefore, the senior should avoid making these mistakes at all costs, as they could delay his or her Social Security payment each month.
The monthly mailing of Social Security checks follows a pattern previously established by the Administration. In total, barring any irregularities in the schedule, the Administration sends out 5 different checks. The first of these checks is not a pension as such, but the Supplemental Security Income. This payment is sent on the same day to all beneficiaries.
The remaining four payments are retirement checks. The Social Security Administration sends these payments in a staggered manner, thus dividing retirees into 4 different groups. If we control this information and know the day on which we will have the money in our pockets, the organization of the household economy will be much easier and more comfortable.
Basic tips for receiving your Social Security check on time
In addition to these 3 basic tips there are other things we can do to get our Social Security check on time. But these tips will help us in a straightforward way, plus they are very easy to follow at all times. We will not have to make a big effort to comply with these tips.
Know the calendar
This step is essential in order to keep track of your payday. All Social Security beneficiaries must know when the Administration will send their monthly check. To do so, we just need to follow a very easy schedule:
- Pensioners prior to 1997: All pensioners with this characteristic receive the money on the 3rd day of the month, except for exceptions. When that day is a holiday or weekend, the Administration sends the payment on the immediately preceding working day.
- Post-1997 pensioners: In this group there are three different groups divided by birthday bands. Each group receives a check on a different day.
- Born between the 1st and 10th: Second Wednesday of the month.
- Born between the 11th and 20th: Third Wednesday of the month.
- Born between the 21st and 31st: Fourth Wednesday of the month.
With this information it is much easier to determine when we will have access to our monthly payment. The Administration will send checks on these days, but this does not mean that we will receive payment immediately. This will depend on the collection method chosen.
Choosing the right Social Security collection method
There are a total of two methods of collecting your retirement check that you can choose from. Both methods are totally reliable and we should have no problems, but keep in mind that one of these methods is slower than the other.
The fastest method is undoubtedly Direct Deposit. By this way of receiving Social Security checks the money will appear immediately. We will not have to wait a single day, unlike the other method, bank deposit.
The biggest problem with bank deposit is that it can take up to 3 days for the money to appear. If we add to this that there is usually a weekend in between, the money could take up to 5 days sometimes. So choosing Direct Deposit may be the best option to avoid delays.
Update your personal information
This is something not everyone does often, but it can put our Social Security check at risk. Not updating our personal information can delay receiving our retirement check.
Through My Account you can change your information, whether it is due to moving, marriage, divorce or any other reason. All information that changes in our lives must change both at the Social Security Administration and at our bank.