If you are looking for the Social Security Payment Schedule for October 2021, look no further. We can help you. Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month for which they are due. For example, the December benefit is paid in January.
For those on Social Security retirement benefits or disability (SSDI or SSI), knowing when your payments will be deposited each month is crucial.
That’s because, for a majority, the monthly Social Security benefit is the main source of income.
Knowing the payment date helps you plan ahead and ensure that your bills are paid on time.
In addition, if you know when the payment will be deposited and available, you can plan for cash withdrawals from your account.
In the post below, we have explained in detail how the Social Security Payment Schedule works and provide you with the specific dates on which your October benefit payments will be deposited into your account.
This Post will Cover:
- No More Paper Checks for Social Security Benefits
- How Social Security Payment Calendar Works
- Social Security Payment Schedule for October 2021
- Complete 2021 Social Security Payments Schedule
- What To Do If You Don’t Recieve Your Benefits
- Social Security Benefits Questions and Answers
No More Paper Checks for Social Security Benefits
Since 1935, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has mailed paper checks to Social Security beneficiaries.
However, that ended in May 2011.
That’s because Congress passed a law that required all recipients of payments from federal benefits programs to sign up for electronic payments.
Since then, all new recipients of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability have been required to sign up for electronic payments.
In addition, existing recipients of Social Security and SSI had to comply with the new requirements by March 1, 2013.
As a result, the SSA no longer mail paper checks for Social Security benefits, including disability payments.
There are two ways you can receive your Social Security benefits electronically:
How Social Security Payment Schedule Works
If you are receiving Social Security Retirement or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI), your payment date depends on your birth date.
In addition, If you are receiving payments on the record of a retired, disabled, or deceased worker (for example, spousal or survivor benefits), that person’s birthday sets the schedule.
Here’s how the Social Security Payment schedule works for those who receive Social Security retirement benefits or SSDI:
- If your birthday is in the first 10 days of the month, then you’ll receive your benefits payments on the second Wednesday of each month.
- For those with birthdays between the 11th and the 20th, benefit payments are deposited on the third Wednesday of the month.
- Payments are made on the fourth Wednesday of the month for those with birthdays on the 21st or later.
Here is a table that better displays how the payment schedule works:
| BIRTHDAY | PAYMENT DATE |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | Second Wednesday |
| 11th – 20th | Third Wednesday |
| 21st – 31st | Fourth Wednesday |
Now that you understand how the payment schedule works, it’s time to review the 2021 payment calendar as released by the SSA.
Exception
If you’ve been receiving Social Security benefits prior to May 1997 or you get both Social Security and SSI payments, here’s what you need to know:
Your payments will be made on the 3rd of each month. If the 3rd falls on a weekend or holiday, payment will be made on the preceding Friday.
Here is the complete SSI payment schedule for 2021.
We have first listed dates for those only receiving SSI benefits.
Next, we have provided dates for those receiving both Social Security retirement benefits and SSI.
Social Security Payment Schedule October 2021
Here is when to expect your Social Security payment for October 2021:
Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SS and SSDI)
For those receiving Social Security Retirement Benefit or Disability Benefits, here is your payment schedule for October:
- If your birth date falls on the 1st – 10th day of the month, benefits are paid on October 13th.
- Also, if your birth date falls on the 11th – 20th day of the month, benefits are paid on October 20th.
- If your birth date falls on the 21st – 31st day of the month, benefits are paid on October 27th.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payment Schedule
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will receive your payments on the 1st of each month.
The exception is when the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday.
If the first falls on a holiday, then you will receive your payment the business day before.
However, if the first falls on a weekend, you’ll receive your payment on the preceding Friday.
October 2021 SSI Payment Schedule
Since October 1st, 2021 falls on a Friday, SSI payments for the month will be deposited on Friday, October 1st, 2021.
If you receive your payment via a bank account or a prepaid debit card like the Direct Express Debit card, you should see your benefits in your account on or before Friday, October 1st, 2021.
Both SS and SSI Recipients
Since October 3, 2021, is on a Sunday, you will receive your benefits on Friday, October 1st, 2021.
The Complete 2021 Social Security Payment Schedule
Here is a simplified version of the 2021 Social Security Payment Calendar for Social Security retirement benefits and SSDI beneficiaries.
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
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payment Schedule for 2021
For SSI recipients, benefits will arrive on the first of the month. If the 1st of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a federal holiday, you will be paid on the business day before then.
For example, if the 1st of the month falls on a Saturday, you’ll receive your benefits the Friday before.
| 2021 | SSI Only | Both SS & SSI |
| January | 31-Dec-2020 | 31-Dec-2020 |
| February | 1 | 3 |
| March | 1 | 3 |
| April | 1 | 2 |
| May | 30-Apr-2021 | 3 |
| June | 1 | 3 |
| July | 1 | 2 |
| August | 30-Jul-2021 | 3 |
| September | 1 | 3 |
| October | 1 | 1 |
| November | 1 | 3 |
| December | 1 | 3 |
What To Do If You Don’t Recieve Your Benefits
If you do not receive your payment on your specified day or date, the Social Security Administration asks that you wait three mailing days before contacting them.
You can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
See the November 2021 Social Security Payment Schedule.
Social Security Benefits Questions and Answers
Here is the summary of the most frequently asked Social Security Benefits Questions and Answers.
Is Social Security going bankrupt?
The Social Security system is definitely undergoing some financial strain.
There are questions about how long the system will still be available for current and future retirees.
According to a government report, by 2016, the amount of benefits paid out will exceed the amount of taxes put into the system.
Additionally, the Social Security fund could be exhausted by 2037.
Once this happens, benefits would still be paid out but almost certainly reduced by a significant amount.
Also, while it is very unlikely that the system will be allowed to fail, it is important for future retirees to explore all other potential sources of income for retirement in addition to Social Security.
Can you borrow money from your Social Security?
No, you cannot borrow from your current or future Social Security benefits.
There have been talks about allowing the option for loans from Social Security.
However, the system was never designed to allow current or future beneficiaries to borrow from or against their benefits.
Can I receive Social Security benefits and SSI at the same time?
Yes, you may be able to receive SSI in addition to monthly Social Security benefits.
However, in order to be eligible, your Social Security benefits must be below a certain threshold to qualify.
Additionally, if you get SSI benefits, you also may be able to get other help from your state or county.
For example, you may be able to get Medicaid, food stamps, or some other social benefit program.
For information about all the services available in your community, call your local social services department or public welfare office.
What Are The Differences Between SSDI And SSI?
While both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration, there are important differences between SSDI and SSI.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have paid enough in Social Security taxes and earned enough credits to be eligible for the program.
In general, that usually means having worked 5 years full-time out of the last 10 years.
However, eligibility for SSI does not depend on your work history and is needs-based.
Therefore, you must have limited income and financial resources, including assets to be eligible for SSI benefits.
Social Security Payment Dates 2021 Summary
Here’s the bottom line:
If you receive Social Security retirement benefits or SSDI, then your benefits will be paid based on your birthdate.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) payments are issued on the first of every month.
For October 2021:
Social Security and SSDI payments will be made using the schedule below:
- on October 13th if your birth date falls on the 1st – 10th day of the month.
- If your birth date falls on the 11th – 20th day of the month, you will get your deposit on October 20th.
- Finally, if your birth date falls on the 21st – 31st day of the month, your benefits will be paid on October 27th.
For SSI recipients:
October 1st, 2021 falls on a Friday, SSI payments for the month will be deposited on Friday, October 1st, 2021.
Both SS and SSI Recipients
Also, since October 3, 2021, is on a Sunday, you will receive your benefits on Friday, October 1st, 2021
Questions?
If you still have questions, you should leave a comment below.
However, what may be an even greater help is to join our FREE Facebook members group about Making Sense of Social Security Benefits.
It’s a very active group with some really smart people who love to answer any questions you may have about Social Security Benefits.
Also, from time to time, our team of editors drop in to contribute and answer questions.
Finally, you may like these popular articles, including How to Change Your Address with Social Security, the Top 5 Changes to Social Security in 2021, and 2021 Social Security Payment Calendar.
