The Social Security Administration (SSA) has locked in the dates for the last two benefit payments for July. With prices still climbing and budgets stretched thin, it’s more important than ever for retirees, people with disabilities, and others who rely on these payments to know exactly when their money is coming in.
If you count on Social Security to help cover your monthly expenses, now’s a good time to check the calendar and see if your next payment is coming this month.
Who Gets Paid in the Final Two Rounds of July?
If you get Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits, when you’re paid depends on your birthday. If your check hasn’t come in yet this month, there’s a strong chance it’s set to arrive on one of the last two Wednesdays in July.
Here’s how it works:
- Birthdays on the 11th–20th: You’ll be paid on Wednesday, July 16th.
- Birthdays on the 21st–31st: Your payment will arrive on Wednesday, July 23rd.
These dates are for people who started getting benefits after May 1997. If you’ve been receiving payments since before then, your check probably came in on July 3.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Already Paid
If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment should’ve already come in on July 1st. SSI is meant to help low-income seniors and people with disabilities, but don’t mix it up with SSDI, they’re different programs. The rules, eligibility, and payment dates aren’t the same. And if you get both SSI and SSDI, your payment schedule might be a little different depending on when you first qualified.
How to Check Your Payment Status
Not sure when your Social Security payment is coming, or if it’s already been sent? Here’s how you can check:
- Log into your account at ssa.gov. You’ll be able to see your payment history, update your banking info, and view important documents.
- Set up bank alerts so you get a message as soon the money hits your account.
- Still nothing after a few days? If it’s been more than three business days since your expected date, give the SSA a call at 1-800-772-1213.
Just a heads-up: Social Security payments don’t go out on weekends or federal holidays. If your payment is scheduled for a Wednesday, it usually shows up in your account that same day, but some banks might post it a day early.
What If Your Payment Is Missing or Late?
If your payment’s late or missing, try not to panic, there’s usually a simple reason. Common delays happen because of:
- Bank processing slowdowns
- Updated or incorrect account info
- Identity verification issues
- Mail delays (if you still get paper checks)
Check your My Social Security account and your bank statement first, most of the time, that’ll clear things up. If everything looks fine but there’s still no sign of your money, give the SSA a call. And if you’re still hitting a wall, it might be time to head to your local office and sort it out in person.
Why These Dates Matter More Than Ever
With prices still climbing and things like prescription meds getting more expensive, every Social Security check matters. For a lot of people, this isn’t just extra money, it’s what keeps the lights on.
Right now, over 67 million Americans get Social Security, and the average monthly retirement check is about $1,907. In today’s economy, that doesn’t stretch very far, especially for seniors who don’t have much in savings.
Looking Ahead: August Payments and Future Changes
Once the last July payment goes out on the 24th, the SSA will shift focus to August, starting with SSI on the 1st, followed by the usual round of staggered payments during the month.
At the same time, there’s been a lot of talk in Washington about the future of Social Security. Lawmakers are still debating how to handle expected funding gaps by the mid-2030s. Nothing’s been decided yet, but it’s a good idea for anyone who relies on these benefits to stay in the loop and speak up to help protect what they’ve earned.