Why is My Social Security Disability Check Late?

People often feel a sense of relief when they find out their Social Security Disability claim has been approved. The next thing they are waiting for is that first check in the mail. However, sometimes the check is late, leaving people to wonder why.

Below, you can learn more about the payment schedule and when to expect benefits, along with some of the reasons your payment was late. If you are not receiving the payments you are entitled to, request a free, no obligation with our Social Security Disability attorneys in Phoenix today and learn more about your legal options.

When to Expect a Check

After your disability claim is approved, it may take a few months to start receiving payments. If you are owed backpay, it can take even longer for it to be disbursed – the time between claim approval and receiving your first disability check will be reflected in the backpay you are owed.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) no longer sends paper checks through the mail for disability benefits. Instead, benefits are paid through either a direct deposit to your bank account or a deposit to a debit card.

Disability payments are made on different days of the month, depending on your birth date.

• Payments are deposited on the second Wednesday of the month for those born on the first through the 10th.
• Payments are deposited on the third Wednesday of the month for those born the 11th through the 20th.
• Payments are deposited on the fourth Wednesday of the month for those born the 21st through the 31st.

Some exceptions exist:

• If you started receiving disability benefits before 1997, payments are deposited on the third day of the month.
• If you receive both disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), payments are deposited on the third day of the month.
• If your payment is supposed to be made over a holiday, it will be deposited on the day before the holiday.

Reasons a Check is Late

There are a few things that could cause a late disability payment.

• If you have not updated the SSA regarding a bank account change (for direct deposit) or change of address, your payment could be delayed.
• The bank account used by the SSA to pay your disability benefits may have changed, delaying your payment.
• If the SSA office in charge of your disability payments is experiencing slow processing time, your payment may be delayed.

What to Do About a Late Check

If your disability payment is late, the SSA requests that you wait a minimum of three business days before contacting your local SSA office or calling 1-800-772-1213. If you suspect a payment was stolen, you should contact the SSA immediately.

If your first disability check does not come within 90 days of your claim approval, contact your local SSA office to learn the status of payments.

If you hired a disability attorney to assist with your claim, contact him or her to follow up regarding your late benefits payment. Your lawyer can contact the SSA about the missing payment and help get your payment released quickly.

Contact Our Disability Lawyers for Help

If you are not receiving the disability benefits you are entitled to, the disability lawyers of Dayes Law Firm PC are here to help. Request a free, no obligation consultation and our skilled attorneys will review your disability claim.

We charge no upfront fees and payment is only due if we recover compensation for you.

Call 1-800-503-2000 or fill out our Free Case Review form now.