For many Americans, receiving their first Social Security check is a significant milestone. However, when that first payment is delayed, it can cause stress, confusion, and uncertainty especially if you rely on it for your monthly expenses. Recently, there has been an uptick in reports of delays in Social Security benefits, especially the first payments, due to staffing shortages and administrative slowdowns at the Social Security Administration (SSA).
If your first Social Security payment is late, here’s a clear and simple guide on what steps to take, based on the latest recommendations from the SSA and financial experts.
Understand When Social Security Checks Are Typically Issued
Social Security payments are not sent on the same day for everyone. Instead, they are disbursed based on your date of birth:
- If you were born between the 1st and 10th of the month, you receive your payment on the second Wednesday.
- If you were born between the 11th and 20th, you are paid on the third Wednesday.
- If you were born between the 21st and 31st, you get your payment on the fourth Wednesday.
For May 2025, these dates are:
- May 14, 2025
- May 21, 2025
- May 28, 2025
If your scheduled date has passed and you have not received the payment, it’s essential to wait at least three mailing days, as per the SSA guidelines, before escalating the issue. Often, delays can occur due to bank processing times, holidays, or technical glitches.
What to Do After Three Mailing Days
If your scheduled payment date has passed and three mailing days have also passed, the SSA advises you to:
1. Contact Your Bank or Financial Institution
Before reaching out to the SSA directly, contact your bank. Sometimes, the payment is sent on time by SSA, but there may be delays at your bank or credit union.
2. Check Your SSA Account Online
Through your my Social Security account, you can verify if the payment has been processed or if there are any alerts or issues regarding your benefits.
3. Contact the SSA Directly
If the issue is not on the bank’s side, you should contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Be aware that due to ongoing staffing issues, wait times might be longer than usual.
Common Reasons for Late Social Security Payments
While it’s easy to feel anxious when a payment is delayed, knowing the potential reasons can help ease your concerns:
- Incorrect Direct Deposit Information: One of the most common causes of missed payments is outdated or incorrect bank account information.
- Administrative Delays: Due to staffing shortages and high claim volumes, the SSA is experiencing processing backlogs.
- Mailing Errors: If you opted for paper checks instead of direct deposit, mail delivery delays can also be a factor.
- Holidays and Weekends: Payments that fall on holidays or weekends might be delayed until the next business day.
In recent months, reports have emerged highlighting that thousands of retirees have seen their benefits delayed due to broader administrative hurdles within the SSA. According to a report by The Sun, staffing cutbacks and system upgrades have contributed to these delays.
Protect Yourself from Future Delays
To avoid similar situations in the future, experts recommend the following steps:
- Enroll in Direct Deposit: This is the fastest and safest method to receive your benefits. You can set up or update your direct deposit details via your my Social Security account.
- Keep Your Information Updated: Make sure your mailing address, phone number, and bank account information are current in SSA records.
- Use the SSA Online Services: SSA offers many online tools to check payment status, update details, and manage benefits.
What If the Issue Persists?
If, after contacting both your bank and the SSA, your issue is unresolved, you may consider reaching out to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to report any suspected fraud or systemic issues. You can file a report at the SSA OIG website.
Additionally, if you’re facing financial hardship due to the delay, you can contact local community services or your state’s Area Agency on Aging for short-term support.
FINAL THOUGHT
While a delay in receiving your first Social Security check can be frustrating, most issues are resolvable by following the steps outlined above. With staffing challenges persisting at the SSA, delays may unfortunately continue to happen, but proactive communication and the use of online services can help minimize disruptions.
