If you struggle with a disability, you may depend upon your disability benefits as an essential source of financial support and stability. If you don’t yet receive benefits, you may be interested in applying. After all, it can be extremely difficult to provide for yourself and those you love when a disability has rendered you unable to work and earn an income as you normally would.
If you find yourself in this situation, you may have many questions – among them, when will your disability check be deposited?
What Benefits Are Available?
If you already receive disability benefits, you likely know that the Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefits – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
These benefits have their similarities and their differences. For both types of benefits, an individual must be able to establish that they have a qualifying medical disability that has rendered them unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more.
To receive SSDI benefits, an individual must also be able to prove that they worked a qualifying job for a sufficient length of time, through which they paid a portion of their salary into the Social Security system. Doing so makes an individual “insured” in the eyes of the Social Security Administration.
To receive SSI benefits, by contrast, an individual does not need to be “insured.” Instead, a beneficiary must be able to prove that they have income and resources below a certain threshold established by the Social Security Administration.
When Are Payments Usually Made?
Individuals who qualify for SSI benefits can usually expect them to be paid on the first day of each month. If the first day of a particular month falls on a weekend, the benefits will usually be paid on the Friday before the first of the month.
SSDI benefits, by contrast, are generally based on birthdate. There is a limited exception to this rule – individuals who began receiving SSDI payments before 1997 will typically receive those payments on the first date of each month. If that day falls on the weekend, the payment will be made on the Friday before the third.
For those who began receiving benefits after 1997, the date that SSDI benefits are paid will depend on the beneficiary’s birthdate. Payments are typically made based on birthdate as follows:
- 1st through the 10th of the month: Payment is made on the second Wednesday.
- 11th to 20th of the month: Payment is made on the third Wednesday.
- 21st through the 31st of the month: Payment is made on the fourth Wednesday.
If the Wednesday that is regularly scheduled for payment falls on a federal holiday, payment will be made on the first prior day that is not a federal holiday.
Under this schedule, those expecting disability checks in March and April can plan for the particular Wednesday that aligns with their birthdate.
How Are Payments Usually Made?
For many years, the Social Security Administration primarily paid disability benefits by mailing paper checks to beneficiaries. While this method was generally effective, it had its difficulties. Sometimes, checks would be delayed in the mail or lost altogether. Requesting a replacement check would take time. All the while, beneficiaries went without money that was desperately needed. The good news is that those days have passed.
Today, instead of receiving paper checks in the mail, most beneficiaries receive them via direct deposit. There are two methods of direct deposit:
- Traditional Direct Deposit: Under this method, beneficiaries simply provide their banking information to the Social Security Administration. On the appropriate date, benefits will be directly deposited into the account and available as soon as the bank allows.
- “Direct Express”: This method is a good option for those who may not want to use a traditional bank account. Those who choose the “Direct Express” payment method receive a debit card, and benefits are deposited onto that card each month.
Regardless of how you choose to receive your benefits, the most important thing is that you continue to ensure that you qualify for and receive the benefits that you need and deserve. At Liner Legal, we’re here to help.
Liner Legal – Here For You
Living with a disability isn’t easy. At Liner Legal, we understand that. We know what our clients go through as they struggle to cope with a disability while also trying to provide for themselves and their families. The last thing you need is financial worry and stress. Disability benefits can go a long way toward relieving that stress – and we’re here to help you fight for the benefits you need and deserve.
At Liner Legal, our talented and experienced team of attorneys will always pursue the best legal strategies on your behalf, and we’re ready to get started today. If you are too, give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
