What should I do if my SSDI check is late?

If you are eligible for SSDI benefits, you will receive a monthly disability payment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer mails out checks and instead will directly deposit your payment into your bank account. While payments are usually paid on time each month, on occasion, your payment could be late. Here’s what you need to do to report a late payment so you get paid.

When You Should Expect to Receive Your Check Every Month

When your initial application is approved, it could take a few months for you to receive your first payment, especially if you are also receiving back pay. The SSA sends out monthly payments on a schedule based on your date of birth. Here is their current schedule of payments:

• Your payment will be on the second Wednesday of the month if you were born on the 1^st through the 10^th.
• Your payment will be on the third Wednesday of the month if you were born on the 11^th through the 20^th.
• Your payment will be on the fourth Wednesday of the month if you were born on the 21^st through the 31^st.

There are exceptions to these rules. If you started receiving disability payments before 1997, you should receive your payment on the 3^rd of the month. If your payment date falls on a holiday, your payment would be made the day before the holiday.

Why Your Payment Could Arrive Late

Your payment might be late for a number of reasons, such as:

• You changed your bank or had a change of address and did not notify the SSA.
• The bank account used by the SSA to make your payment changed.
• If the SSA office that is responsible for processing your payment has a slower process, it may take longer for you to receive your check.

What to Do If Your SSDI Payment Is Late

If you are worried that your payment was stolen, you should contact the SSA immediately. Otherwise, they request that you wait at least three business days after the date you should have received your check to contact your local office or call them at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) on Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

You should receive your first payment within 90 days of being approved for benefits. If you do not get it within this time period, contact your Social Security disability lawyer if you have one or the SSA.