If you rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a late or missing payment can be stressful. Whether it’s a processing delay, bank issue, or SSA mistake, knowing how to track your payment and what steps to take can help you get your money faster.
In this guide, we’ll cover why disability payments may be delayed, how to check your payment status, and what to do if your check is missing.
1. When Are SSI and SSDI Payments Sent?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends disability payments on a set schedule each month:
📌 SSI Payment Schedule:
Paid on the 1st of each month
If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is sent on the previous business day
📌 SSDI Payment Schedule:
Payments are based on your birth date:
1st – 10th: Paid on the 2nd Wednesday of the month
11th – 20th: Paid on the 3rd Wednesday of the month
21st – 31st: Paid on the 4th Wednesday of the month
📌 Dual SSI & SSDI Recipients: If you receive both SSI and SSDI, your SSI arrives on the 1st, and SSDI follows the normal Wednesday schedule.
2. Common Reasons for Late or Missing Payments
If your disability check hasn’t arrived, here are some possible reasons:
A. SSA Processing Delays
Holidays or weekends delaying processing times
SSA system issues causing short-term delays
B. Bank or Direct Deposit Problems
Bank changed account numbers or closed your account
Direct deposit errors due to incorrect account details
Delays from bank processing times (can take 24–48 hours after SSA sends payment)
C. SSA Payment Errors
Change in eligibility (e.g., exceeded income limits for SSI)
Pending SSA review or disability status changes
Address or banking info not updated
D. Mail Delays (Paper Checks Only)
Checks can take 5–7 business days to arrive by mail
Lost, stolen, or misdirected mail can cause further delays
3. How to Track Your Disability Payment Status
Before contacting SSA, check the status of your payment:
✅ Log into your “my Social Security” account:
Visit SSA.gov and sign in.
Check your payment history and expected deposit date.
✅ Check your bank account:
If you use direct deposit, check for pending transactions.
Contact your bank’s customer service to see if there’s a delay.
✅ Wait 3 business days before reporting a missing direct deposit (SSA requires this time frame before taking action).
✅ For paper checks, wait at least 3 mailing days after the scheduled payment date before reporting it missing.
4. What to Do If Your SSI or SSDI Payment Is Missing
If your payment is late, take these steps:
📌 Step 1: Call Your Bank
If you use direct deposit, ask if there are any pending transactions.
If your account was closed, the bank may return your payment to SSA.
📌 Step 2: Contact SSA Directly
Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 7 PM)
Visit a local SSA office in person
Explain the issue and request a payment trace
📌 Step 3: Report a Lost or Stolen Paper Check
Call 1-800-772-1213 to report a missing check
SSA will issue a replacement (may take several weeks)
📌 Step 4: Update Your Direct Deposit Information
If your bank account changed, update your direct deposit via your mySSA account or by calling SSA.
5. How to Prevent Future Payment Issues
To avoid missing or delayed disability payments in the future:
✅ Set up direct deposit (fastest and most secure option)
✅ Keep your contact and banking info updated with SSA
✅ Monitor your benefits online to check for payment changes
✅ Avoid paper checks if possible, as they are more prone to delays
✅ Use Purple for payment tracking and instant alerts
6. Stay on Top of Your Disability Payments with Purple
If you rely on SSI or SSDI, missing a payment can be stressful. Purple helps you track your benefits, receive alerts for late payments, and manage your finances to avoid surprises.
💜 Never miss a disability payment again! Get started with Purple today to stay in control of your finances.