How soon will I get my first Social Security check?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Mar 26, 2026
Key Takeaway. For Social Security income, the youngest age when you can apply is 61 years and nine months old. You would then receive your first Social Security check four months later—the month after your 62nd birthday.
Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. If you tell us you want your benefits to start in May, you will receive your first benefit check in June.
Does Social Security pay a month ahead or behind?
We pay Social Security benefits monthly. The benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due. For example, you would receive your July benefit in August.
What are the Social Security pay dates for 2020?
In 2020, you will receive payments on the following schedule: January 22; February 26; March 25; April 22; May 27; June 24; July 22; August 26; September 23; October 28; November 25; and December 23.
When do you get your monthly social security check?
That’s because Social Security pays benefits a month behind, so your benefit for, say, December 2020 will arrive in January 2021. Your birthday generally determines your monthly payment schedule: If the birthday is between the first and the 10th day of the month, the benefit payment is deposited on the second Wednesday of each month.
How long does it take to get your first social security payment?
It can take up to three months to receive your first payment after applying at full retirement age.
When do Social Security benefits start the month of your birth?
If you were born on the: First to tenth of the month, your payment will be deposited on the second Wednesday of each month. Eleventh to twentieth of the month, your payment will be deposited on the third Wednesday of each month. Twenty-first to the end of the month, your payment will be deposited on thefourth Wednesday of each month.
When to apply for Social Security at full retirement age?
Social Security pays individuals a month behind, the person will receive the June benefit in July. If you would like to receive your first payment in the first month you are eligible, you will need to apply three months before your birthday. When should I apply for Social Security in order to start at 62?
