By October 2024, most retirees have already gotten their Social Security payments. These benefits are essential to millions of Americans, who depend on them to cover basic expenses. This month, three of the four groups of Social Security beneficiaries have already gotten their money, while the last group is awaiting payment.

The Social Security Administration distributes the checks in a staggered manner, based on the date of birth and the year beneficiaries began getting their benefits. By October, Groups 1, 2 and 3 already have their payments at home, leaving only Group 4 to await their check, which will be paid on October 23, 2024.

Groups who have already gotten their October payments

Retirees who will no longer get Social Security payments this month are:

• Group 1: Retirees with pre-1997 benefits, who got their check on Oct. 3.
• Group 2: Retirees with benefits after May 1997 and born between the 1st and 10th of the month, who got their payment on October 9.
• Group 3: Retirees with benefits after May 1997 and born between the 11th and 20th of the month, who got their payment on October 16.

Therefore, only Group 4 retirees are those who can get a payment within the month of October. This group is retirees with a benefit after May 1997 and a birthday between the 21st and 31st of any month. All other beneficiaries already enjoy their benefit, at least those who have activated Direct Deposit. Without this collection method, the payment may arrive a few days later.

What to do if you don’t get your check?

If you are in Group 4 and have not gotten your check by the expected date, it is important to make sure your bank information is up to date and correct. In many cases, payments are delayed due to errors in deposit information or payee contact information. If you have direct payments to your bank account, please check your balance on October 23. In the event you have not gotten your payment, contact the Social Security Administration to resolve any possible errors.

Also, retirees who get their payments by mail should be aware that this process may take a few extra days. If you have not received your check within a week of the scheduled date, it is also advisable to contact the SSA to follow up on your payment.

So, to avoid problems with receiving your Social Security payments, it is important to keep all of your benefit information up to date. If you change your address, open a new bank account, or make any other significant changes, notify the SSA as soon as possible to ensure that your payments arrive on time. You can also check SSA’s online portal to track your payments and correct any errors in your account.

With the last October payment for Group 4, the month’s payment cycle will conclude, providing peace of mind for beneficiaries who rely on these checks to cover essential expenses. Staying informed and following Social Security recommendations is key to ensuring that future payments arrive smoothly.