Why Did My Payment Arrive Early?
By WhenIsMyCheck Editorial Team • Last updated:
Quick answer: Early payments are usually caused by weekend or holiday shifts — SSA moves the payment to the prior business day.
- Not an extra payment or bonus.
- Often happens for SSI (1st) and paid-on-3rd groups.
- Observed holidays matter.
- Check the full year schedule to avoid surprises.
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Quick answer: Early deposits are most often caused by weekends or federal holidays. The scheduled date shifts to the nearest prior business day.
Most common reasons
- Weekend shift: if your date lands on Saturday/Sunday, it moves earlier.
- Holiday shift: if your date lands on a federal holiday (including an observed holiday), it moves earlier.
- Bank posting timing: some banks post ACH deposits overnight and you see it “early” compared with others.
What you should do
- Generate your schedule and check the “Notes” column for shift markers.
- Make sure you selected the right setup: SSI only / Social Security only / Both / paid on the 3rd.
- If the amount is different, see our guide on deductions (Medicare premiums) — the date may be right even when the amount changes.