Unexpected extra Social Security deposit after starting benefits - why the surprise payment?

This is likely your back pay for September. The first Social Security check is generally paid the month after you become entitled. So if your benefits started in September, your first regular payment would come in October. But you're still owed for September, and SSA sometimes processes that separately as a back payment. Check your MySocialSecurity account - it should show the payment explanation.

Happened to me too last year!! Was totally confused but my son said same thing about it being the first month. Check ur mysocialsecurity account it should tell u

As others have mentioned, this is most likely your first month's payment. Here's why this happens: 1. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due (payment for January comes in February, etc.) 2. When you first apply, your entitlement date is set (September in your case) 3. The regular payment cycle begins the following month (October) 4. The initial month's benefit (September) is often processed separately as a "back payment" If the amount isn't exactly the same as your monthly benefit, it could be because: - Your benefit was prorated if you didn't start exactly on September 1st - Different withholding amounts were applied - There might have been an adjustment for your earnings if you're under FRA I recommend checking your MySocialSecurity account which will show the payment breakdown. If you need further explanation, call SSA directly, though wait times can be frustrating.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T SPEND IT until you confirm what it is!!! Social Security WILL demand money back if it's an error, and they don't care if you already spent it! I had a friend who got an extra payment, spent it, then had to pay it ALL back six months later. He had to set up a payment plan with them. The SSA computer systems are notorious for making mistakes!!!

congrats on the extra $$$! maybe its a cost of living increase? they just announced the 2025 COLA is gonna be a good one

I had the EXACT same situation when I started getting my retirement benefits last year. I called the SSA office directly about it to make sure and waited on hold for almost 2 hours! Turns out it was indeed my first month's payment like everyone is saying here. They process it separately sometimes. If you're concerned and want to confirm, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real SSA representative quickly. It helped me skip the wait time completely. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. It was worth it for the peace of mind to confirm directly with SSA what the payment was for.

I bet its ur september payment. My husband started his SS last april and his first actual check came in may and then a few weeks later he got his april money. Your first month comes later for some reason.

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I checked my MySocialSecurity account and you were right - it was labeled as my September benefit payment. It's slightly less than my regular monthly amount because I started benefits mid-month. Mystery solved! I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this.

make sure to save the extra $$ for taxes! they might not have taken out enough depending on ur withholding choices