When your disability check doesn't arrive on time, it can be stressful and scary. Here are the most common reasons this happens and what you can do.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Common reasons for missing payments
- SSI vs SSDI payment issues
- How to track your payment
- What to do right now
- Preventing future issues
Common Reasons for Missing Payments
Banking issues:
- Direct deposit to wrong account
- Account closed
- Bank holding the deposit
- New account not yet set up
Address problems:
- Moved recently
- Paper check went to old address
- SSA has wrong address
- Mail forwarding failed
Benefit changes:
- Overpayment being recovered
- Benefits suspended
- Under review
- Change in eligibility
Administrative issues:
- SSA processing error
- System problems
- Holiday delays
- Weekend timing
SSI-specific:
- Over resource limit
- Income change not processed
- Living situation change
- Out of country too long
SSI Payment Issues
Reasons SSI might not arrive:
Resource limit:
- Bank balance over $2,000
- Benefits stop that month
- Check your balance on the 1st
Income changes:
- Earned income reported
- Other income received
- Benefits reduced to $0
Living situation:
- Moved in with someone
- In-kind support counted
- Benefit recalculated
Out of country:
- Outside US for 30+ days
- Benefits suspend automatically
- Must return to resume
Redetermination:
- Didn't respond to SSA
- Missing paperwork
- Benefits suspended pending review
SSDI Payment Issues
Reasons SSDI might not arrive:
Overpayment recovery:
- Past overpayment being collected
- May take entire check temporarily
- Should receive notice
Work activity:
- Earned over SGA ($1,620/month in 2025)
- After trial work period
- Benefits suspended
Continuing Disability Review:
- Found medically improved
- Benefits stopped
- Can appeal
Medicare premiums:
- Increase reduced your check
- May not have noticed change
- Check Medicare notices
Other deductions:
- Tax withholding
- Garnishments (child support, etc.)
- Representative payee issues
How to Track Your Payment
Check your bank first:
- Log into online banking
- Look for pending deposits
- Verify correct account number
- Check deposit history
Check my Social Security:
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
- Sign in
- Look at payment status
- Check for any notices
- Verify your bank info on file
Call Social Security:
- 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- Ask about payment status
- Request investigation
Check your mail:
- Look for SSA notices
- Check for returned checks
- Review any letters
What to Do Right Now
If it's your scheduled payment day:
- Check bank account throughout day
- Don't panic—deposits can post late
- Wait until end of business day
If it's 1-2 days late:
- Verify payment date was correct
- Check for holidays (early payment)
- Review my Social Security online
- Check bank for pending deposits
If it's 3+ days late:
- Call SSA immediately
- Report missing payment
- Ask about reason for non-payment
- Request emergency payment if needed
For paper checks 5+ days late:
- Report missing check to SSA
- Request replacement
- Consider switching to direct deposit
- Check mail forwarding
If Benefits Were Suspended
Find out why:
- Call SSA
- Review any notices
- Check my Social Security account
- Ask specific questions
Common fixable issues:
- Paperwork not submitted → Submit it
- Over resource limit → Spend down
- Didn't respond to review → Respond now
- Income issue → Clarify with SSA
If you need to appeal:
- You have 60 days usually
- Request benefits continue during appeal
- Get help from legal aid if needed
- Don't delay
Getting Emergency Help
While you wait:
- SNAP (food stamps) if not receiving
- Local food banks
- Utility assistance programs
- Community emergency funds
SSA emergency payment:
- Ask about immediate payment need
- May provide emergency advance
- Must demonstrate urgent need
- Not guaranteed
211 resources:
- Call 211 or visit 211.org
- Local emergency assistance
- Rent and utility help
- Food resources
Preventing Future Issues
Keep information current:
- Update address promptly
- Verify bank information
- Report changes within 10 days
- Respond to SSA requests
Use direct deposit:
- Faster than paper checks
- Less likely to be lost
- Consider early access banks
- More reliable
Monitor your benefits:
- Log into my Social Security regularly
- Watch for notices
- Track payment amounts
- Know your payment schedule
Keep records:
- Save SSA correspondence
- Document communications
- Note payment amounts and dates
- Keep contact information handy
Contact Information
Social Security:
- 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- ssa.gov
- Local office (find at ssa.gov/locator)
Hours:
- Monday-Friday
- 8am-7pm local time
- Best times: Early morning, late afternoon
- Avoid Mondays and early month
How Purple Helps
Purple helps ensure you get your benefits:
- Get SSI/SSDI up to 4 days early
- See deposits immediately when they arrive
- Track your payment history
- Instant notifications for deposits
- Never wonder where your money is
With Purple, you'll know when your benefits arrive—often before the scheduled date.