Wondering when your next SSI or SSDI payment will arrive? There are several ways to check your payment status and verify your benefit information. Here's how to do it step by step.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Checking your payment status online
- Using the SSA phone line
- Understanding your payment schedule
- What to do if your payment is late
1. Check Your Payment Status Online
Create a my Social Security account:
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
- Click "Sign In or Create an Account"
- Verify your identity
- Set up your username and password
What you can see online:
- Your benefit amount
- Payment history
- Estimated future payments
- Medicare premium deductions
- Tax withholding information
To check payment status:
- Log in to my Social Security
- Click on "View Payment History"
- See recent and upcoming payments
- Check for any pending changes
Tip: Set up a my Social Security account before you need it. The verification process can take time.
2. Check by Phone
Social Security main line:
- Call 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- Available Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm local time
- Best times: Early morning or late afternoon
What to have ready:
- Your Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Current address
- Recent payment amounts
What you can ask:
- When your next payment will arrive
- Why a payment amount changed
- Status of pending applications
- Information about overpayments
3. Understanding Your Payment Schedule
SSI payments:
- Paid on the 1st of each month
- If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, paid the business day before
- Example: If January 1st is Sunday, paid December 30th
SSDI payments (based on birth date):
- Born 1st-10th: Paid second Wednesday
- Born 11th-20th: Paid third Wednesday
- Born 21st-31st: Paid fourth Wednesday
Exception for SSDI:
- If you started receiving SSDI before May 1997
- Or if you receive both SSI and SSDI
- You're paid on the 3rd of the month
Direct deposit timing:
- Funds usually available by 9am on payment day
- Some banks offer early access 1-4 days before
- Paper checks take longer to arrive
4. What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
First, verify the expected date:
- Check the payment schedule above
- Account for weekends and holidays
- Remember direct deposit is faster than paper checks
If it's past the expected date:
Step 1: Check your bank account
- Log in to your bank
- Look for pending deposits
- Check if the deposit went to the right account
Step 2: Verify your direct deposit info
- Log in to my Social Security
- Confirm your bank account number
- Check routing number is correct
Step 3: Contact Social Security
- Call 1-800-772-1213
- Report the missing payment
- Ask about payment status
Common reasons for delays:
- Bank processing issues
- Recent address or bank changes
- Pending paperwork or reviews
- Overpayment recovery started
- Medicare premium changes
5. Check for Benefit Changes
Your payment might change due to:
- Cost of living adjustment (COLA)
- Medicare Part B premium changes
- Overpayment recovery
- Income changes (for SSI)
- Living situation changes (for SSI)
Where to see changes:
- Annual COLA notice (mailed in December)
- My Social Security account
- SSA-1099 form (mailed in January)
- Benefit verification letter
Request a benefit verification letter:
- Online at my Social Security
- By calling 1-800-772-1213
- In person at local SSA office
- Letter shows current benefit amount
6. Using the SSA Mobile App
Download the app:
- Available for iOS and Android
- Search "my Social Security" in app store
- Free to download
What you can do:
- Check benefit information
- Get benefit verification letters
- View payment history
- Update contact information
Limitations:
- Some features require website
- May need to verify identity again
- Not all services available in app
7. Visit Your Local SSA Office
When to visit in person:
- Complex questions
- Document submission
- Identity verification issues
- Prefer face-to-face help
Before you go:
- Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator
- Check if appointment is needed
- Bring ID and relevant documents
- Arrive early
What to bring:
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Social Security card (if available)
- Any letters from SSA
- Questions written down
8. Track Changes to Your Benefits
Set up notifications:
- Enable email alerts in my Social Security
- Watch for mailed notices
- Keep contact info updated
Review annually:
- Check your benefit amount each January
- Verify COLA was applied
- Confirm Medicare premiums are correct
- Report any errors promptly
How Purple Helps
Purple makes tracking your benefits easier:
- See your SSI or SSDI deposits as soon as they arrive
- Get early access to your benefits up to 4 days sooner
- Track your payment history in one place
- No minimum balance or hidden fees
- Customer support that understands disability benefits
With Purple, you always know where your benefits stand.