September 2019 SSDI payment dates

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments in September 2019 arrive on three different dates, depending on when you were born. The Social Security Administration staggered payment dates so the system could handle the volume of deposits without delays. Your birth date determines which Wednesday you receive your check or direct deposit.

If you were born between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment arrives on the second Wednesday of September — September 11, 2019. If you were born between the 11th and 20th, you receive your deposit on the third Wednesday — September 18, 2019. If you were born on the 21st or later, your payment arrives on the fourth Wednesday — September 25, 2019.

These dates explore only if you receive SSDI through the regular payment schedule. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, your payment arrives on the first of the month — September 1, 2019 — regardless of your birth date. Some people receive both SSDI and SSI; in that case, you get two separate deposits on two different dates.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI payments in September 2019 arrive on September 11, 18, or 25 depending on whether you were born in the first, second, or third third of the month.
  • SSI payments arrive on September 1, 2019, and follow a different schedule than SSDI.
  • Direct deposit to a bank account is faster and more find than waiting for a paper check in the mail.
  • If your payment does not arrive on the expected date, contact Social Security within three business days to report the delay.

How to find your specific payment date

You can confirm your exact payment date by logging into your Social Security account at ssa.gov. Click "Benefit Verification" and look for the section labeled "Payment Information" — it will show your next scheduled payment date. If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your email address and Social Security number.

You can also call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to ask when your September payment will arrive. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. Wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays.

Direct deposit versus paper checks

If you receive a paper check, it typically arrives in the mail within three to five business days after Social Security processes it. Direct deposit to a bank account is faster — the money appears the same day Social Security sends it, usually by early morning. Direct deposit also means you do not have to worry about a check getting lost in the mail or delayed by postal service issues.

To switch from paper checks to direct deposit, log into your Social Security account online, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office in person. You will need your bank account number and routing number. The change usually takes effect within one or two payment cycles.

What to do if your payment is late

If your payment does not arrive by the day after your scheduled payment date, contact Social Security within three business days. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain that your deposit did not arrive. Have your Social Security number and the date you expected to receive the payment ready.

If you use direct deposit, ask your bank to check whether the deposit is pending or if there was a problem with the account number. Sometimes a payment is delayed because the bank rejected it — for example, if the account was closed or if there was a typo in the routing number. Your bank can tell you whether the issue is on their end or Social Security's.

If you receive a paper check and it does not arrive within five business days of your payment date, Social Security can issue a replacement check or arrange a direct deposit instead.

Changes to your payment date

Your payment date can change if you report a change in your situation to Social Security — for example, if you return to work and your benefits are suspended, or if you reach full retirement age and switch from SSDI to regular Social Security retirement benefits. Social Security will notify you by mail if your payment date changes.

If you move to a different state, your payment date does not change. SSDI payments follow the same schedule nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do SSDI payments arrive on different dates?

Social Security staggered the payment dates to spread out the volume of deposits and reduce the risk of system overload or delays. The three-week schedule means roughly one-third of SSDI recipients receive their payment each week, rather than everyone receiving it on the same day.

Do I get paid twice in September if I receive both SSDI and SSI?

Yes. SSI arrives on September 1, and SSDI arrives on September 11, 18, or 25 depending on your birth date. The two programs have separate payment schedules, so you receive two deposits in the same month.

What if I was born on the 20th — which payment date do I get?

If you were born on the 20th, you receive your payment on the third Wednesday of the month (September 18, 2019). The cutoff is the 20th and earlier for the third group; the 21st and later for the fourth group.

Can I change when my payment arrives?

No. Your payment date is determined by your birth date and cannot be changed. However, you can choose whether to receive it by direct deposit or paper check, and you can change that choice at any time.

What happens to my September payment if I die before the payment date?

If you die before your payment is processed, Social Security will not send that month's payment. Your family should contact Social Security to report your death and ask about any other benefits they may be may have access to to, such as survivor benefits.