What to Do If Your Social Security Payment Is Late
By WhenIsMyCheck Editorial Team • Last updated:
Quick answer: A Social Security payment that seems late is often explained by holiday/weekend shifts or bank posting delays.
- Confirm whether you’re paid on the 3rd or by Wednesday group.
- Check observed federal holidays.
- Allow time for your bank to post the deposit.
- If missing after the buffer, contact SSA.
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Step 1: What do you receive?
2027–2028 are rule-based estimates until SSA publishes the official calendar.
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Quick answer: If you are paid on a Wednesday (or the 3rd), confirm you chose the right group, then check for holiday shifts. If still missing, contact SSA.
Confirm your group first
- Paid on the 3rd? Choose “YES” to the “3rd of the month” question.
- Paid on a Wednesday? Choose your birthday range (1–10 / 11–20 / 21–31).
If the date looks right but the payment is missing
- Check your bank posting time (some deposits appear late afternoon).
- Make sure your direct deposit account did not change.
- Check mail if you receive a paper check.
- Contact SSA if it remains missing.