Paid on the 3rd: who is in this group?
By WhenIsMyCheck Editorial Team • Last updated:
Quick answer: If you’re in the “paid on the 3rd” group, your Social Security payment is scheduled for the 3rd each month (or earlier when shifted).
- Common for people receiving benefits before May 1997.
- Also common when receiving both SSI and Social Security.
- If the 3rd is a weekend/holiday, it shifts earlier.
- This differs from Wednesday birthday groups.
Not affiliated with SSA. Informational only.
Get your exact payment dates: Generate a personal schedule (printable + calendar) in about 10 seconds. No login. No SSN.
Step 1: What do you receive?
2027–2028 are rule-based estimates until SSA publishes the official calendar.
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Quick answer: Many people who started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 are paid on the 3rd of each month (moved earlier if the 3rd is not a business day).
How to tell if you are in the “3rd of the month” group
- Look at your last 2–3 deposits (bank statement, Direct Express history, or paper check date).
- If your Social Security payment keeps landing around the 3rd, you’re likely in this group.
- If you also receive SSI, you may see SSI near the 1st and Social Security near the 3rd.
What happens when the 3rd is a weekend or federal holiday
If the scheduled day is not a normal business day, payments typically move to the nearest prior business day. That can make a “January 3rd” payment show up in late December.
Common confusion: An early deposit is usually next month’s regular payment moved earlier — not an “extra” payment.
Use the site correctly
- Choose Social Security only (or Both if you receive SSI too).
- Answer “YES” to “Are you usually paid on the 3rd?”
- Pick the year (2026 verified; 2027–2028 are previews until SSA publishes them).