Why do I get my Social Security check on the 3rd of every month?

You get your Social Security check on the 3rd of the month primarily if you started receiving benefits before May 1997, or if you also receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income). For those who began getting benefits after May 1997, payment dates are usually the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on your birthday.

Why do some people get their Social Security check on the 3rd of the month?

People get their Social Security check on the 3rd of the month primarily if they started receiving benefits before May 1997, or if they receive both Social Security (SSDI/RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), where SSI comes on the 1st and Social Security on the 3rd. Other recipients get paid on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday based on their birth date, but the pre-May 1997 group and dual-benefit recipients are fixed on the 3rd. 

What Social Security is paid on the 3rd?

The Social Security check that comes on the 3rd of the month is for people who started receiving benefits before May 1997, those who also get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or those living abroad/with state-paid Medicare premiums; for most others, the date depends on their birthday (2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday). If you get both Social Security and SSI, your Social Security check arrives on the 3rd, and your SSI on the 1st.
 

Why am I receiving my Social Security check early?

You likely received your Social Security check early because your normal payment date fell on a weekend or federal holiday, triggering an early deposit by the Social Security Administration (SSA), or your bank released the funds ahead of schedule as a courtesy. It could also be a system adjustment or part of a process like expedited reinstatement if you applied, but the most common reasons are holidays or bank policy. 

What is the COLA for Social Security in 2026?

The first Social Security payments of 2026 are set to go out in January, reflecting a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Social Security typically pays benefits on Wednesdays.

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Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

You qualify for an extra ~$144 on your Social Security check if you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with a "Part B Giveback" benefit, which refunds some or all of your Medicare Part B premium, appearing as extra cash in your check, but eligibility depends on living in the plan's service area and paying your own Part B premiums. The "144" figure was common when the Part B premium was around that amount, but the actual refund varies by plan and location, potentially exceeding the full premium. 

Are seniors on Social Security getting a raise in 2025?

Yes, Social Security recipients received a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, effective January 2025, increasing average benefits by about $48 monthly; this was announced in late 2024, with the next COLA for 2026 announced in October 2025. The 2025 increase followed a larger boost in 2024, reflecting lower inflation, and notifications for the 2025 raise were sent out in late 2024. 

Why would I get my Social Security early?

You likely received your Social Security check early because your normal payment date fell on a weekend or federal holiday, triggering an early deposit by the Social Security Administration (SSA), or your bank released the funds ahead of schedule as a courtesy. It could also be a system adjustment or part of a process like expedited reinstatement if you applied, but the most common reasons are holidays or bank policy. 

Why is Social Security sending two checks this month?

Since January 1 is federal holiday, the checks will instead be sent out on December 31. This quirk will reportedly happen multiple more times in 2026: August 1 is on a Saturday, so two checks will be sent in July. November 1 is on a Sunday, so two checks will be sent in October.

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits. 

Who gets paid on the 3rd of the month?

People who get paid on the 3rd of the month are typically Social Security beneficiaries who started receiving benefits before May 1997, those who also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), people living in a foreign country, or those with Medicare premiums paid by their state, with payments scheduled for the 3rd unless it's a weekend/holiday, then it's the prior business day. For others, payments are staggered based on birth dates, landing on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday.
 

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

Why are Americans getting a $4800 check today?

Americans are set to receive a Social Security check worth up to $4,800 today, but not all seniors are happy about the increase in monthly payments. Social Security benefits grew by 3.2 percent this year, in accordance with this year's calculated cost of living adjustment (COLA).

Who gets Social Security checks on the 3rd?

You get Social Security on the 3rd of the month if you started receiving benefits before May 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (with Social Security often on the 3rd and SSI on the 1st). Otherwise, benefits are paid on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday based on your birthday, not the 3rd of the month directly, unless the 3rd is a business day and you fall into one of those specific categories.
 

Why did I get a $1400 check from Social Security?

Millions of Social Security recipients automatically received COVID-19 stimulus payments through the IRS using SSA and RRB data. Payments included up to $1,200 per individual in round one, $600 in round two, and $1,400 in round three, with extra amounts for dependents.

Why does my Social Security check come on different dates?

Your Social Security check comes on different dates because payments are scheduled based on your birthday (or the primary beneficiary's) and payment cycles, usually falling on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday, but can shift if a date lands on a weekend or holiday, sometimes leading to early payments or two checks in a month for certain groups. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is separate and usually paid on the 1st, with early payment if that falls on a weekend. 

Why do some people get their Social Security check on the 3rd of every month?

People get their Social Security check on the 3rd of the month primarily if they started receiving benefits before May 1997, or if they receive both Social Security (SSDI/RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), where SSI comes on the 1st and Social Security on the 3rd. Other recipients get paid on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday based on their birth date, but the pre-May 1997 group and dual-benefit recipients are fixed on the 3rd. 

Why did I receive a random deposit from Social Security?

Unexpected Social Security deposits may result from cost-of-living adjustments or retroactive payments. Verify recent communications from the SSA and review your benefit statement online. If unsure, contact the Social Security Administration directly to confirm the deposit's legitimacy.

Why are people getting extra Social Security checks?

People are getting extra Social Security for reasons like retroactive payments for past underpayments or due to new legislation (like the Social Security Fairness Act for WEP/GPO), working longer (boosting average earnings), delaying retirement (earning delayed retirement credits), or qualifying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on top of their regular benefits. Sometimes, an "extra" payment is just the next month's payment arriving early if the 1st falls on a weekend/holiday, especially for SSI recipients. 

Why is my Social Security check so early?

Social Security benefit timing depends on several factors, including your birthday and the type of benefits you receive. Refer to the calendar below to see when payments are typically made each month. If your scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, you may receive your benefits early.

What is the $1000 a month rule for retirement?

The $1,000 a month retirement rule is a simple guideline stating you need about $240,000 saved for every $1,000 of monthly income you want from your investments in retirement, based on a 5% annual withdrawal rate ($240k x 0.05 / 12 = $1k/month). It's a motivational tool to estimate savings goals (e.g., $3,000/month needs $720k), but it's one-dimensional, doesn't account for inflation, taxes, or other income like Social Security, and assumes steady 5% returns, making a personalized plan essential. 

How do I increase my Social Security payout?

Additional work will increase your retirement benefits. Each year you work will replace a zero or low earnings year in your Social Security benefit calculation, which could help to increase your benefit amount.

What is the highest Social Security check anyone can get?

The maximum Social Security benefit varies by retirement age, with the highest possible monthly amount in 2026 being around $5,181 if you wait until age 70, while claiming at Full Retirement Age (FRA) yields about $4,152, and claiming at age 62 results in approximately $2,969. To get the maximum, you must have earned the taxable maximum for at least 35 years, had significant earnings above the annual wage base ($184,500 in 2026), and delayed claiming benefits past your FRA. 

Will there be a cola increase in 2026 for Social Security?

Yes, there is a confirmed 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security in 2026, announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which began impacting payments in January 2026 for about 75 million beneficiaries, increasing average benefits by roughly $56 monthly for retirees. This adjustment helps maintain purchasing power against inflation and affects both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

Can Social Security payments reach $4873 a month?

The maximum possible monthly Social Security benefit in 2024 is $4,873 per month. To receive the maximum, a few things must be true, and few Americans have the perfect combination. In addition to being a high earner throughout your working life, you'll need to wait until you're 70 to start collecting benefits.