Missing a Social Security payment can be stressful, especially for retirees or individuals relying on this money to cover their essential expenses.
If your September 11 Social Security payment didn’t arrive on time, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue and ensure that future payments are delivered promptly.
Here’s a guide on what to do if your payment is delayed, missing, or potentially stolen.
Wait Three Days Before Taking Action
The Social Security Administration (SSA) advises waiting for three mailing days if your payment has not arrived by the expected date.
This brief waiting period accounts for possible postal delays or minor processing issues that may resolve on their own.
If three days pass and your payment still hasn’t arrived, it’s time to take the next steps.
Contact Your Bank or Financial Institution
Sometimes the delay is on the bank’s side. Whether your payment is being sent via direct deposit or mailed to a bank account, your financial institution may be experiencing technical issues that delay the delivery of your funds.
A quick call to your bank or credit union could help clarify whether the delay is due to internal issues or if the problem lies elsewhere.
Banks and financial institutions are familiar with handling Social Security payments, so they should be able to provide updates and insights about any delays they might be experiencing.
Call the Social Security Administration
If your bank doesn’t have any information or three mailing days have passed with no payment, contact the Social Security Administration directly. You can reach them at the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213, or for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, via TTY at 1-800-325-0778.
When you call, be ready to provide your Social Security number, as well as other identifying details, such as your name, address, and date of birth.
An SSA representative can review your account and payment status, which may reveal whether the issue is due to a technical error, a late check, or potential fraud.
Visit Your Local SSA Office
If phone support doesn’t resolve the issue or if you prefer speaking to someone in person, visiting your local Social Security office is another option. An agent can review your case, investigate the payment status, and identify any problems that might be delaying your check.
They may also be able to expedite a replacement payment if your original check is missing, stolen, or lost.
In rare cases, the SSA may decide that your payment needs to be replaced. This can happen after an investigation confirms that the payment was indeed missing or stolen.
What to Do If Your September 18 or 25 Payment Is Late
The same steps outlined above apply if your September 18 or September 25 Social Security payment doesn’t arrive on time.
Once three days have passed without receiving your payment, start by calling the SSA’s toll-free number (1-800-772-1213) and continue the process by contacting your financial institution or visiting your local office, if necessary.
Ensure You Are Complying with Social Security Rules
One important thing to keep in mind is that certain events can cause the SSA to stop your payments, which may explain a missing check.
For example, if you are convicted of a crime and sentenced to over 30 consecutive days in prison, your Social Security payments will be halted. The SSA is prohibited by law from issuing payments to someone confined in a penal institution at public expense after a conviction.
This rule applies whether the individual is in jail, prison, or another type of institution related to a criminal case. If you are in this situation, or if you’ve recently encountered a legal issue, it’s worth confirming that your benefits haven’t been affected by these rules.
Steps to Take if a Payment Is Missing or Stolen
Here’s a quick overview of the steps to follow if your Social Security payment is late:
- Wait three mailing days to account for postal or technical delays.
- Contact your bank or financial institution to confirm if they’ve encountered issues processing your payment.
- Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778 to report the delay or missing payment.
- Visit your local SSA office if the issue persists and requires further investigation.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure that any delayed, missing, or stolen payments are replaced promptly, preventing disruption to your finances.
FAQs
How long should I wait if my Social Security payment is late?
Wait three mailing days before contacting the SSA.
What number should I call if my payment is missing?
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Can my Social Security be stopped for legal reasons?
Yes, if you are in prison for over 30 days, benefits are paused.
What should I do if my bank hasn’t received the payment?
Contact your financial institution to check for technical issues.
Can I visit a Social Security office for help with a late payment?
Yes, your local SSA office can assist with missing or delayed payments.
