Social Security payment schedule confusing - got September check but nothing in October?

This is completely normal and happens to everyone! Social Security payments are made in the month following the month they're for. Your September payment (received on Sept 27) was actually for your August benefits. You won't receive October's payment until November. This is just how the system works - you're always paid for the previous month.

Actually, the previous response isn't correct for retirement benefits. Social Security retirement payments are paid in the CURRENT month, not for the previous month. The confusion is about WHEN in the month you get paid. If you were born between the 1st-10th: Payment on 2nd Wednesday If born between 11th-20th: Payment on 3rd Wednesday If born between 21st-31st: Payment on 4th Wednesday If you applied in August for September benefits, you should have received your first payment in September, then your October payment in October based on your birth date. Something seems off with your situation.

hmmm i think u need to call them. when i started my ss last year it was weird timing too but they explained it. sometimes the first couple months are off schedule until they get ur account setup right in their system. but def call to make sure ur not missing $$$!

When I started my Social Security retirement benefits last year, I had a similar issue that confused me. Here's what I learned: for people receiving benefits for the first time, the payment schedule can be a bit different. The payment date is determined by your birth date as the helpful poster above mentioned, BUT there's also a rule about your first payment being a month behind. So if you applied in August for September benefits, your September 27th payment was likely your first regular payment. The October payment should come in October based on your birth date (unless you receive your payment on the 4th Wednesday, which would be close to the end of the month). You should definitely check your My Social Security account to see the actual payment schedule. If it shows you're getting your next payment in early November, there might be a reason for that gap. I'd call SSA to verify everything is set up correctly.

I think what might be happening is that you're experiencing the normal payment schedule adjusting to your birth date. Since you said you got your September payment on the 27th, I'm guessing you were born between the 21st and 31st of the month (which means you get paid on the 4th Wednesday). October's 4th Wednesday was the 22nd - have you checked if perhaps the payment came then? If not, the system might be adjusting your payment schedule, which sometimes happens with new beneficiaries. Definitely call SSA to confirm. I've had good luck using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent without the hours-long wait. They have a service that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me tons of time when I had a payment issue last year. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

This same thing happened to me! Let me try to clarify because I just went through this exact situation in 2024. If you applied in August requesting September benefits: 1. Your FIRST payment, which you received September 27th, was for the month of September (not August as someone incorrectly stated). This is correct. 2. For new beneficiaries, the payment schedule can be irregular for the first 2-3 months as they establish your record in their payment system. 3. Since your MySocialSecurity account shows a payment in early November, that's likely your October benefit, just paid slightly late as they adjust your payment to the regular schedule. 4. After that, you should start receiving payments according to your birth date (2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday). The system is confusing because SSDI and SSI follow different payment schedules than retirement benefits. So people often give conflicting advice online. But for retirement benefits, you're paid for the current month, not the previous month.

my sister had this when she started SS last year. her first 2 checks were weird timing then it got normal. its just how they do it. dont stress!!

Just to add more clarity: Social Security retirement benefits are paid in the month they are due, but they're paid for the previous month. So your September 27th payment was for September's benefit, but you received it in September rather than waiting until October. For retirement benefits, the payment schedule is: - Born 1st-10th: 2nd Wednesday of the month - Born 11th-20th: 3rd Wednesday of the month - Born 21st-31st: 4th Wednesday of the month The first month or two can be irregular as they're establishing your payment record. After that, you should receive your benefits on your scheduled Wednesday based on your birth date. If the portal shows your next payment in early November, it's likely they're still adjusting your payment schedule. If you're concerned, definitely call SSA to confirm everything is on track. The irregularity in the first couple of months is normal, but it's always good to verify.

Yes, that's exactly right. You're not missing any money - it's just the payment schedule adjusting. Your September benefit was paid in September (on the 27th), and your October benefit will be paid in early November according to your portal. Then after that, you should start receiving payments on your regular schedule based on your birth date. The SSA systems are old and sometimes take a cycle or two to get everything flowing smoothly for new beneficiaries. Rest assured that all your entitled benefits will be paid.