Will SGA limits be exceeded during months with 3 Social Security paychecks vs. standard calculation?

This is actually a really good question that trips up a lot of SSDI recipients! When it comes to SGA limits, Social Security is supposed to count earnings when they're EARNED, not when they're paid. So theoretically, those 3-paycheck months shouldn't cause problems if you're working consistent hours. However, the reality is that the SSA's automated systems initially flag based on what's reported to them by payroll systems, which shows when you got PAID, not when you EARNED the money. This can definitely trigger automatic reviews in those months with 3 paychecks.

I went through this EXACT situation last year!!! The SSA computer ABSOLUTELY flags those months with 3 paychecks if they go over SGA. Then they sent me this scary letter about potential overpayment and I almost had a heart attack!!! Had to call them like 10 times before I got through to someone who understood the issue. They eventually fixed it but it took MONTHS and so much stress!!!

Here's the technical answer: SSA is supposed to use an "actual receipt" method for wages - counting when you physically receive the money - UNLESS using that method would be unfair, in which case they're supposed to use an "earned" method. For wage earners with regular hours (sounds like your situation), they should apply the earned method and calculate your SGA based on a prorated monthly amount. The problem is getting someone at SSA who understands this distinction. I recommend keeping detailed records of your work hours and earnings per WEEK, so if you get flagged, you can demonstrate you've been consistent. If possible, try to reach out to your local SSA office proactively with a written explanation of your situation.

when i was on ssdi i had same problem. i worked at walmart and some months had 3 paychecks. my caseworker told me sga is what you EARN not when you get paid. but the computers dont know that!! keep a work calandar with your hours EVERY DAY just in case.

Hey there, I work as a benefits counselor and help people with this exact issue all the time. Here's what you need to know: 1) Yes, technically SSA should be counting when wages are earned, not paid 2) However, your employer reports your wages using pay dates, not earning periods 3) The SSA computer systems initially flag based on reported amounts 4) You may need to request a manual review and explain your situation My advice is to be proactive - if you know which months will have 3 pay periods, document that clearly. Call your local field office and explain your situation. In some cases, they can put notes in your file. Also, be aware that if you average over the monthly SGA amount consistently, even if some months are under and others are over, SSA could still determine you're engaging in SGA overall.

I had this EXACT problem!! Let me tell you, if you wait until they flag you, you're going to have a nightmare trying to fix it. I spent WEEKS trying to reach someone at Social Security after they cut my benefits because of a 3-paycheck month. I finally discovered Claimyr.com and it was a lifesaver - they got me connected to an actual SSA agent in under 30 minutes after I'd been trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Anyway, once I actually talked to someone knowledgeable, they were able to review my case and fix the issue, but it took multiple calls. The key was proving I wasn't actually exceeding SGA when counting by WHEN I WORKED, not when I got paid.

UGGGH this makes me so mad about the system!!! Why cant they just have their computers be smart enough to figure this out?? People shouldn't have to fight just to keep benefits they deserve! It's almost like they WANT to catch people and cut their benefits 😡

To address your original question more specifically - if you're earning $275 weekly, those two 3-paycheck months would total $825, which is likely still under the current SGA threshold (which is around $1,550 for 2025 for non-blind individuals). So you might actually be okay even with those 3-paycheck months, depending on your exact earnings.

Update: I called my local office this morning (actually got through somehow!) and spoke with a claims representative. She said they do recognize this issue and suggested I send in a letter explaining my work schedule and which months will have 3 paychecks. She also recommended I keep a work diary with my hours and pay info. She said if I'm flagged, I should immediately request a reconsideration with this documentation. Feeling a bit more prepared now!