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Options for a Disability Deposit

Citizens of the United States who are eligible to receive disability benefits can have their funds sent to them two different ways. By default, the Social Security Administration issues checks on a monthly basis via the U.S. Postal Service. Beneficiaries also have the option to receive funds via direct deposit. Payments are paid on the second, third or fourth Wednesday of each month, according to the schedule of payments.

  1. Schedule

    • No matter what method of payment is chosen, the date of each monthly payment is determined by the "Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments," published every year by the Social Security Administration. For beneficiaries who started receiving benefits after May 1997, payments are based on the day of the month the recipient was born. Beneficiaries whose birthdays fall on the 1st through the 10th of the month receive their payment on the second Wednesday of the month. Those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th are paid on the third Wednesday. Anyone born on the 21st through the 31st of the month is paid on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

    Receiving Checks

    • Until May 2011, checks are sent for payment to all beneficiaries by default. Checks are mailed in advance and calculated to arrive on the date of payment according to the published Schedule Of Social Security Benefit Payments. Should the scheduled date of payment fall on a holiday or weekend, the check will be mailed early and should arrive on the previous banking day. Should a check not arrive on time, the Social Security Administration advises waiting three days before calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for the hearing impaired) weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

    Direct Deposit

    • Beneficiaries currently receiving payments have the option to receive payments via direct deposit. Direct deposit payments are made electronically on the same day checks are normally received in the mail. Direct deposit can be set up as part of the application process for disability benefits or at any time afterward. Individuals currently receiving benefits can easily begin, change or cancel direct deposit by logging onto the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Elimination of Checks

    • As of May 2011 new applicants for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income must receive their monthly payments either by direct deposit or a Direct Express® debit card. Beneficiaries who were granted benefits before May 2011 will continue to have the option to receive checks mailed to them until March 2013, at which point they much switch to direct deposit or a Direct Express® debit card.

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