The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages payments for retirement and disability benefits in the United States. This month, the SSA will make two remaining payments for retired workers and beneficiaries of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
It’s important to note that those who joined SSA programs before May 1997 are not eligible for these payments. If you’re currently eligible for retirement or disability benefits, you might be wondering when your next payment will arrive. Here’s everything you need to know about the Social Security payment schedule.
How Does the Social Security Payment Schedule Work?
The SSA delivers millions of monthly benefits to eligible recipients who have met the requirements for retirement or disability benefits. The payment schedule is based on the recipient’s birth date, as follows:
- Second Wednesday of the month: For recipients born between the 1st and the 10th.
- Third Wednesday of the month: For recipients born between the 11th and the 20th.
- Fourth Wednesday of the month: For recipients born between the 21st and the 31st.
Based on this schedule, the next Social Security payment for this month will reach retirees and disabled individuals’ bank accounts on Wednesday, July 24th. While the SSA ensures timely payments, there could be delays due to bank processing times.
It is recommended to wait at least three mailing days before contacting SSA customer service if your payment is late. For additional details about your payment amount, you can access your “My Social Security Account.”
How is SSA Simplifying Access to Social Security Payments?
The SSA has implemented changes to reduce administrative burdens and improve accessibility for people with disabilities. This was done through a new policy called “Interim Improvements to the Disability Adjudication Process: Including How We Consider Past Work,” released on April 18.
The goal is to reduce the time claimants wait for an SSA decision and their first Social Security payment. This policy is part of the Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government.
Key Changes in the Process
The primary change involves simplifying the evaluation process to determine if an individual can perform any activity related to their “past relevant work” due to a disability. Previously, applicants had to provide at least 15 years of employment history, which was often challenging to gather. This led to errors or insufficient information, affecting the accuracy of decisions.
Under the new criteria:
- Employment starting or ending within 30 days of the application will not be considered.
- Applicants need to submit only five years of work history instead of fifteen.
These changes help the SSA make more accurate decisions and start Social Security payments sooner by focusing on more recent data.
The SSA is committed to ensuring timely and accurate Social Security payments for retirees and individuals with disabilities. By simplifying the application process and focusing on recent employment history, the SSA aims to reduce wait times and improve service delivery.
Understanding the payment schedule and new policies can help beneficiaries receive their payments without unnecessary delays. For more detailed information about your benefits, always refer to your “My Social Security Account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who manages Social Security payments in the US?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for managing Social Security payments for retirement and disability benefits.
Who is eligible for Social Security payments?
Eligible recipients include retired workers and beneficiaries of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program who have met the required conditions.
How often are Social Security payments made?
Social Security payments are made monthly, following a schedule based on the recipient’s birth date.
What should I do if my payment is delayed?
If your payment is delayed, wait at least three mailing days before contacting the SSA’s customer service, as delays can occur due to bank processing times.
What changes has the SSA made to the payment process?
The SSA has simplified the evaluation process for disability claims, reducing the required work history from fifteen years to five and excluding jobs starting or ending within 30 days of the application.