Confused about Social Security payment timing - need to apply in May for July payment?

The SSA rep is incorrect. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due. So if you want your first payment to be for June (received in July), you should apply for benefits to start in June. I retired last year and this is exactly how mine worked. I applied for benefits to start in August, and I received my first payment in September (which was for August). The only reason to apply for May would be if you wanted to receive a payment in June (for May benefits). It sounds like the rep misunderstood what you were asking.

When i applyed for my ss last year, it was VERY confusing!!!! I wanted my first check in April but they told me to aply in january!!!! Then I got a payment in March which i wasnt expecting!!! The whole system is so CONFUSING and nobody explains anything clearly!!!! Call again and ask somebody else, you'll probably get a completley different answer!!!!

There could be some confusion about the application process versus the benefit start date. Here's how it works: 1. You should apply for benefits 2-3 months before you want your benefits to BEGIN 2. Benefits are paid in the month following the month they are for So if you want your first check to be received in July (for June benefits), you should apply in April or May, but specify that you want your benefits to START in June. Perhaps the representative was referring to when you should submit your application, not when your benefits should start. The application itself should be submitted earlier than your benefit start date.

my sister got her first check exactly 30 days after she applied but that was back in 2022 so maybe things changed idk

I went through this exact situation last year. The rep was probably confused about what you were asking. Here's the simple version: - Social Security benefits are paid one month AFTER the month they're for - If you want July to be the first month you RECEIVE a payment, that payment will be for June - Therefore, you need to specify that you want your benefits to START in June - But yes, you should APPLY about 3 months before your benefit start date So apply now, but tell them you want benefits to start in June (not May), and you'll get your first payment in July. That's exactly how mine worked.

when do they actually deposit the money? is it the first of each month or does it depend on your birthday or something?

GOOD LUCK trying to get through to them on the phone!!!! I tried for WEEKS last year and could never get a human being!!! Kept getting disconnected or put on hold for HOURS!!!!

Update: I called SSA again and spoke with a different representative. She confirmed that if I want my first payment in July, I need to select June as my benefit start month. The first rep must have misunderstood what I was asking. I've submitted my application online and selected June 2025 as my benefit start month. Thanks everyone for your help!

Congratulations on getting it sorted out! This is a perfect example of why it's so important to get a second opinion when dealing with SSA - different reps can give completely different information even about basic procedures. Your experience will definitely help other people who run into the same confusion. Make sure to keep copies of all your confirmation documents, and you should be all set for that July payment!