Unexpected $518 Social Security deposit - how long until I get an explanation letter?

This is actually pretty common. Social Security typically sends out explanation letters within 5-7 business days after making an adjustment payment. It could be a retroactive COLA increase, an earnings recalculation, or a correction to your PIA based on their annual review. I wouldn't worry too much - just keep checking your mail. If you don't get a letter within 2 weeks, then I'd try calling again or visit your local office.

got the same thing last month!! but mine was $493 and took 12 days to get the letter. turned out it was backpay for a Medicare premium adjustment they messed up. check your mymedicare account maybe?

DO NOT SPEND THAT MONEY!!!! SSA makes mistakes ALL THE TIME and then demands repayment with practically no notice!!! I got a random deposit of $600+ last year, spent it thinking it was mine, and then 3 months later got a letter saying it was an ERROR and they wanted it ALL BACK within 30 days!!! When I called to set up a payment plan they were RUDE and unhelpful. The system is BROKEN!

For what it's worth, I've been through this before. The letter explaining any benefit adjustment should arrive in 5-10 business days. In my experience, unexpected deposits are usually legitimate and fall into a few categories: 1. Retroactive COLA adjustments 2. Earnings record corrections 3. Medicare premium adjustments 4. Tax withholding corrections The most efficient way to find out immediately is to speak with an SSA representative. However, as you've discovered, the wait times can be extremely frustrating. I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an SSA agent in under 20 minutes instead of the 2+ hour wait I was experiencing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Regardless, I'd set that money aside until you receive the official letter. Better safe than sorry.

My mom just went through this last month! The weird thing is that when she finally got her letter (took about 7 business days), it was dated 4 days BEFORE the deposit hit her account. So they apparently send the letters before processing the payments, but the mail is slower than the direct deposit system. If you're really concerned, you could try logging into your mySocialSecurity account online - sometimes the notices show up there before you get the paper version.

i had something like this happen and never got a letter lol. i called for weeks and finally got someone who told me it was a one-time adjustment for some calculation error they made when i first claimed benefits. something about my covered earnings period being wrong by 3 months. honestly good luck getting a straight answer, every person at ssa tells you something different

Update us when you get the letter! I'm curious what it turns out to be. My guess based on the amount is either a quarterly earnings recalculation or possibly a Medicare Part B premium adjustment. Did you recently submit a tax return that showed lower income than the previous year? That often triggers IRMAA adjustments which can result in refunds of Medicare premiums.

my sister works for social security and she says they're super backed up with letters right now could take up to 3 weeks!!!!

UPDATE: You were all right! I finally got the letter today (7 business days after the deposit). It was indeed a Medicare IRMAA adjustment based on my 2024 tax return showing lower income. They refunded me for the higher premium I'd been paying since January. Mystery solved! Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance.