SSDI Payment Schedule for September 2018

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments in September 2018 arrive on three different dates, depending on your birth date. The Social Security Administration staggered payment dates so the system could process millions of payments without overload. Your payment date is fixed — it does not change month to month — and is determined by the day you were born, not when you started receiving benefits.

If you were born between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment arrives on the second Wednesday of September 2018, which is September 12. If you were born between the 11th and 20th, your payment arrives on the third Wednesday, which is September 19. If you were born on the 21st or later, your payment arrives on the fourth Wednesday, which is September 26.

These dates explore only if you receive your payment by direct deposit. If you receive a paper check instead, add one to three business days to these dates — the check must travel through the mail, and delivery time varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Your SSDI payment date in September 2018 depends on your birth date: the 1st–10th receive payment on September 12, the 11th–20th on September 19, and the 21st–31st on September 26.
  • Your payment date stays the same every month — it does not change based on holidays or other factors.
  • Direct deposit payments arrive on the dates listed above; paper checks take an additional one to three business days.
  • You can confirm your specific payment date by logging into your my Social Security account or calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

How Your Birth Date Determines Your Payment Wednesday

Social Security assigns payment dates by birth date to spread the workload across three weeks. This system has been in place since 1997 and applies to all SSDI beneficiaries born after May 1, 1997. If you were born on or before May 1, 1997, you receive your payment on the third of each month instead — a different schedule altogether.

The three-date system works like this: beneficiaries born in the first ten days of any month always receive payment on the second Wednesday. Those born in the middle ten days (11th through 20th) always receive payment on the third Wednesday. Those born in the last portion of the month (21st through the end) always receive payment on the fourth Wednesday. This assignment is permanent and applies to every month of the year.

Direct Deposit vs. Paper Check Timing

Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your payment. Money moves electronically from the Social Security Administration's bank to your bank account on your assigned Wednesday. If your bank processes deposits overnight, you may see the funds in your account by early morning on that Wednesday. Some banks hold deposits for one business day, so you might not see the money until Thursday morning.

Paper checks take longer. Social Security mails the check on your payment date, but postal delivery typically takes three to five business days depending on your location. A check dated September 12 might not arrive until September 17 or 18. If you have not received your check within five business days of your payment date, contact Social Security to report it.

What to Do If Your Payment Date Changes or You Miss a Payment

Your payment date should never change unless you request it or your circumstances change significantly — for example, if you become ineligible and then regain may be able to access. If you notice your payment arriving on a different date than usual, log into your my Social Security account to check your payment history, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask why.

If you do not receive your payment by the day after your assigned payment date (or five business days after if you receive a check), contact Social Security when ready. Have your Social Security number ready and be prepared to describe when you last received a payment. Social Security can issue a replacement payment or investigate whether the original payment was processed.

Checking Your Payment Date Online

The fastest way to confirm your September 2018 payment date is to create or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Once logged in, click "Payment History" to see the dates your payments were issued. Your account also shows the amount of each payment and whether it was sent by direct deposit or check.

If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one in about 10 minutes using your email address, Social Security number, and a phone number. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing a photo ID. Once your account is set up, you can check your payment schedule anytime without calling Social Security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Social Security use different payment dates for different people?

Spreading payments across three weeks prevents the banking system from being overwhelmed by processing millions of transactions on a single day. This system has been in place since 1997 and allows Social Security to manage payments more smoothly.

Will my payment date change in October or other months?

No. Your payment date is based on your birth date and remains the same every month of the year. If you receive payment on September 12, you will receive it on the second Wednesday of every month going forward.

What if I was born on May 1, 1997?

If you were born on May 1, 1997 or later, you follow the three-Wednesday schedule. If you were born on April 30, 1997 or earlier, you receive your payment on the third of each month instead. Social Security's website has a tool to confirm which schedule applies to you.

Can I change my payment date?

You cannot change the Wednesday you receive your payment, but you can switch between direct deposit and paper check. Direct deposit is faster and more find. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or update your payment method in your my Social Security account.

What happens if the fourth Wednesday falls on a holiday?

Social Security pays one day early if your payment date falls on a federal holiday. For example, if the fourth Wednesday is July 4th, you receive your payment on July 3rd instead. This applies to all federal holidays, including Christmas and New Year's Day.