KEY TAKEAWAYS
Although the government shutdown could disrupt some federal functions, Social Security benefit payments will still be distributed as normal. Most beneficiaries receive their payments according to their birth date, but those who have been on Social Security for more than 28 years and Supplemental Security Income benefits have different distribution dates, separate from their birth date.
The government is still shut down as Congress debates the federal budget and cuts to healthcare programs. The shutdown may delay some functions at the Social Security Administration, but benefit payments will continue to be distributed on time.
The Social Security Administration spreads out the distribution of benefits to almost 74 million people every month. Payments are mainly distributed according to beneficiaries’ birth dates, but there are different distribution dates for those who began receiving retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits before May 1997.
Supplemental Security Income, a program that provides additional income for people with disabilities and adults 65 and older with little to no income, is distributed separately from Social Security benefits at the start of every month.
Why This Matters
As Social Security beneficiaries are on a fixed income, knowing when they will receive their payments is essential for creating their budget and managing their financial obligations.
Here is how the checks will be distributed for the rest of the year:
In November, checks will be issued:
Oct. 31 – SSI payments for November will be made on Oct. 31 because Nov. 1 falls on a Saturday this year.Nov. 3 – Retirement benefits will be paid to those who have been collecting since before May 1997.Nov. 12 – Retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits will be paid to those born between the first and 10th of any month.Nov. 19 – Benefits will be paid to those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month.Nov. 26 – Benefits will be paid to those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st of any month.
In December, checks will be issued:
Dec. 1 – SSI payments will be paid to those who are qualified. Dec. 3 – Retirement benefits will be paid to those who have been collecting since before May 1997.Dec. 10 – Retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits will be paid to those born between the first and 10th of any month.Dec. 17 – Benefits will be paid to those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month.Dec. 24 – Benefits will be paid to those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st of any month.Dec. 31 – SSI payments will be paid to those who are qualified for January.