Social Security payment schedule for 2021
When you receive your benefit payment may depend on your birth date.
Updated January 4, 2021
Editorial DisclosureKEY TAKEAWAYS
Social Security provides retirement, disability, and survivors benefits
The Social Security payment schedule is based on your birthday — except for SSI, which is paid on the 1st of every month
If the 1st is a weekend or holiday, you will receive your SSI payment early
You can receive benefits payment through direct deposit or a prepaid card
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits for retired Americans, as well as disabled workers and individuals, spouses of workers, and widows and widowers. If you paid Social Security tax during the course of your life, you will be eligible to apply for Social Security benefits come retirement. The average Social Security benefit for retired individuals was $1,522.70 as of November 2020. Social Security recipients can also receive coronavirus stimulus checks as long as they meet the basic eligibility requirements.
If you’re receiving Social Security, you will get your retirement or disability benefits as a lump sum payment each month. The payment dates for Social Security are set by the SSA and may be based on your birthday, depending on the type of benefit you are receiving.
Recipients of retirement benefits, spousal benefits, and disability benefits from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will receive monthly payments based their birthday:
| Birthday | Payment date |
|---|---|
| 1st - 10th | Second Wednesday |
| 11th - 20th | Third Wednesday |
| 21st - 31st | Fourth Wednesday |
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follows a different payment schedule — it’s paid on the 1st of each month. We’ll take a detailed look at the different Social Security payment schedules, including the exact payment dates for 2021.
In this article:
Monthly payment dates for Social Security in 2021
You can find a list of the exact payment dates below, based on your birthday.
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th:
January 13
February 10
March 10
April 14
May 12
June 9
July 14
August 11
September 8
October 13
November 10
December 8
If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th:
January 20
February 17
March 17
April 21
May 19
June 16
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 20
November 17
December 15
If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st
January 27
February 24
March 24
April 28
May 26
June 23
July 28
August 25
September 22
October 27
November 24
December 22
Payment dates for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Individuals with a disability who also have limited income and resources can get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Most SSI recipients are also eligible for Medicaid, which provides health insurance for vulnerable, low-income Americans.
SSI benefits are paid on the 1st of every month. If the 1st is a holiday or weekend, you will receive your payment early.
This is the SSI payment schedule for 2021:
February 1
March 1
April 1
April 30
June 1
July 1
July 30
September 1
October 1
November 1
December 1
December 30
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Receiving Social Security payments
Social Security benefits are only paid out electronically; you will not receive a Social Security check in the mail. You can either receive a direct deposit into your bank account or opt for a prepaid debit card. When you apply to receive your Social Security benefits, you will have the chance to provide your account number and the routing number of your bank or credit union.
Tax on Social Security benefits
You may have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefit, depending on your income level. If your retirement income is over a certain amount, then part of your Social Security benefits may be taxable.
Single-filers with an income between $25,000 and $34,000 will have to pay income tax on up to 50% of their benefits. If they make more than $34,000, then up to 85% of the benefits may be taxable.
Married individuals who file jointly may have to pay income tax on 50% of the benefits if their income is between $32,000 and $44,000. They will have to pay taxes on up to 85% of the benefit if they make more than $44,000.
Keep this in mind when filing your tax return. You may also be able to withhold your taxes from your Social Security benefits payments, so you aren’t stuck with a large tax bill on Tax Day. Check your SSA account online or visit your local Social Security office for more information.
Coronavirus stimulus checks and Social Security
On April 3, 2020, the federal government began sending eligible Americans stimulus checks as part of a relief package to help workers and the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Senior citizens and retirees who receive Social Security benefits are eligible for coronavirus stimulus checks as long as they meet the basic eligibility requirements.
The maximum stimulus payment is $1,200 for eligible adults who file separately and $2,400 for eligible married couples who file jointly. There is also an additional $500 payment per qualifying child.
In December 2020, an additional $600 stimulus check was sent out to every eligible adult and child.
Everyone who has a Social Security number and filed a tax return in the last two years generally qualified for both stimulus checks if their income falls within the government’s limits. Income is based on your 2019 federal tax return.
However, if you receive Social Security benefits and don’t usually need to file a tax return, don’t worry — you don’t have to start now. You should still receive the stimulus payment, if you haven’t already; the government will use the information on file with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to send you your payment. You can expect to receive the stimulus check the same way you get your Social security payment.
Beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can now check the status of their payment on the IRS website.
For more information on how to qualify and how to receive the payment, read our guide to coronavirus stimulus checks.
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Elissa Suh
Personal Finance Editor
Elissa is a personal finance editor at Policygenius in New York City. She writes about estate planning, mortgages, and occasionally health insurance. In the past she has written about film and music.
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