Just got approved for Social Security retirement - when will I receive my first payment?

Congrats on your approval! Social Security payments are made on a specific schedule based on your birth date. If your birthday is between the 1st-10th, you get paid on the second Wednesday. If it's the 11th-20th, payment comes on the third Wednesday. And if your birthday is the 21st-31st, you get paid on the fourth Wednesday. Since you just got approved, your first payment might be delayed a bit while they set everything up in their system. Also, keep in mind that SS benefits are paid a month behind - so April's benefit would be paid in May.

I went through this 2 years ago and they are always 1 month behind. So if u start in March youll get first payment in April. They dont pay for partial months either so if you start mid-month youll only get paid starting the following month. Good luck and congrats!

When I got approved last year, it took about 3 weeks after my approval letter before I saw my first payment. BUT they did give me back pay from when I applied (I also selected start immediately). The weird thing is they split it into two payments - one regular monthly amount and then a separate deposit for the back pay. Just keep checking your bank account! Also, did your approval letter mention anything about Medicare premiums being deducted? That caught me by surprise.

My first check took FOREVER to come! I got approved then waited 6 weeks with nothing! Called SSA like 50 times and couldn't get through. Their system is so messed up. When I finally talked to someone they said there was a "processing issue" whatever that means. Check finally showed up after 2 months. Hope yours comes faster! The payment schedule they mentioned above is right though - once you get in the system it's regular.

congrats on ur retirement!!! i get my SS on 3rd wednesday every month like clockwork. sometime the deposit hits my bank account early like tuesday night but shows as wednesday. depends on ur bank too.

Make sure you set up a my Social Security account online if you haven't already. You can check your payment status there and it's much better than trying to call them. Also, remember your first year receiving benefits you might hit the annual earnings limit if you're still working at all. For 2025, if you're at FRA the limit is $59,520, and they deduct $1 for every $3 you earn above that. Something to watch out for!

One more thing to be aware of - Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on your other income. If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of SS benefits) exceeds $25,000 for singles or $32,000 for married filing jointly, up to 85% of your benefits might be subject to federal income tax. Might want to check if you need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid a surprise tax bill next year.

Has anyone checked there mySSA account lately?? Mine is showing some weird message about system maintenance and I can't see my payment history. Getting worried they might mess up my direct deposit!!

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my first payment came through today! It was for the full month of March (even though I applied in February). Looks like they're following the payment schedule you all mentioned - today is the third Wednesday of April. Thanks for all your help and advice!