March Social Security Payments: When To Expect Your Money

Social Security is a critical lifeline for the 66 million people who receive it each month.

It’s important to know when to expect your check to arrive in the mail or be deposited into your bank account. That date changes month-to-month, so it can become confusing over time.

Here’s when to expect Social Security payments for March 2024 to help supplement your income.

Your birthdate determines the time of the month you’ll receive your Social Security payment. The Social Security Administration’s weekly plan allows funds to be sent to individuals at various times of the month to spread out payments.

Here’s when you can expect to receive your check:

• Birthdate from March 1 to March 10: March 13
• Birthdate from March 11 to March 20: March 20
• Birthdate from March 21 to March 31: March 27

If you received Social Security before May 1997 or received both Social Security and SSI, your payment is a bit different.

You'll receive your Social Security payment on March 3. You will receive SSI payments on the first of the month.

The amount you receive each month is dependent on your earnings during your working years. It’s also influenced by when you start receiving payments, early at 62 or at your full retirement age.

For 2024, the average payment for all retired workers is $1,907. For couples both receiving benefits, the average payment is $3,033.

Some people receive benefits based on their spouse’s or parent’s work record. In these situations, you may receive payments on the same day as the primary beneficiary.

It doesn't fall on your birthdate but that of the primary beneficiary.

If you live in a foreign country and receive Social Security benefits, you can expect your payment to be a bit different.

You should receive your payment on March 3, 2024.

It's common for Social Security payments to be in your bank account and ready to go on the date deposited. Don't panic if you don't receive your payment, but you should act.

First, contact your bank or financial institution to see if the payment is in progress. If not, call the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 to get an update. You can also call your local Society Security office. It will be able to provide an update.

Social Security benefits could be a prime target for theft, whether through the internet or someone local accessing your account. This could be identity theft, which is a federal crime.

Report the theft to the local police department. You should also contact the Social Security office near you to report this. You can also visit IdentityTheft.gov to get help protecting your identity going forward.

Most recipients now receive their Social Security checks electronically, deposited directly into their bank accounts. If you continue to receive paper checks, and it arrives late, that could be worrisome. If this happens, wait three business days to see if it arrives.

If not, you can contact the Social Security Administration locally or over the phone to request a replacement check.

Most Social Security recipients should have received a cost-of-living increase on their payment in January 2024 and then every month after. This was 3.2% for 2024, which means your January payment should be 3.2% higher than your December payment.

If you don’t believe the number on your March payment is correct, you can contact the Social Security Administration to inquire about this.

It’s estimated that 97% of all people aged 60 to 89 will receive Social Security payments during their lifetime.

Social Security payments are meant to provide financial support for individuals during retirement. Many people are dependent on these payments to help pay the bills.

Millions rely on Social Security to help them get ahead financially. Fortunately, March payments are expected to arrive on schedule, unaffected by holidays.

If you have any concerns about your payment, don't hesitate to contact the Social Security Administration directly.