If you were born between the 1st and the 10th of any month, March 12 could be your next Social Security payday. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue payments on this date to retirees who started receiving benefits after April 30, 1997.
Who Does Not Qualify for the March 12 Payment?
Not everyone will receive a payment on March 12. The following individuals are not eligible:
- Recipients who received their Social Security payment on March 3 (these are typically those who started receiving benefits before May 1997).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, as their payments follow a separate schedule.
- Individuals whose birth dates fall outside the 1st-10th range (your payment may be on March 19 or 26 instead).
Maximum Social Security Benefits on March 12
The amount you receive depends on several factors. If you filed for Social Security at age 70 and met the necessary requirements, you could receive up to $5,208 per month. However, to qualify for this maximum amount, you must have:
- Applied for benefits at age 70.
- Worked at least 35 years in jobs covered by Social Security.
- Paid sufficient Social Security taxes throughout your career.
- Earned the contribution and benefit base for 35 years.
Filing earlier reduces your maximum benefit amount:
- Full Retirement Age (FRA) filers can receive up to $4,018.
- Early filers at age 62 can receive up to $2,831.
Average Social Security Payments on March 12
Most retirees will receive an average benefit of $1,978. The amount varies based on retirement age and earnings history:
- Spousal benefits: An average of $931.
- Benefits for children of retired workers: An average of $919.
When Are the Next Social Security Payments in March?
If you do not receive your payment on March 12, you may qualify for a later payment date:
- March 19: For those born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- March 26: For those born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Missing or Delayed
If your Social Security payment does not arrive on the expected date, follow these steps:
- Wait three mailing days before reporting the issue.
- Contact your bank to check if they received and processed the deposit.
- If your bank has no record of the payment, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778 for hearing-impaired individuals).
FAQs About Social Security Payments
Q: Can I receive Social Security and SSI at the same time?
A: Yes, some individuals qualify for both, but they follow different payment schedules.
Q: Will I always receive my payment on the same date each month?
A: Yes, your payment date is based on your birthdate and will follow the same schedule each month unless it falls on a holiday or weekend.
Q: How can I ensure I receive my payment on time?
A: Direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive your Social Security benefits without delays.
Q: Can I change my payment date?
A: No, your payment date is assigned based on SSA’s set schedule and cannot be changed.
Q: What happens if my birthday falls at the end of the month?
A: If you were born from the 21st to the 31st, you’ll always receive your payment on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
If you have further questions, visit the official SSA website or call their customer service line for assistance.