For retirees receiving Social Security benefits, March 12 could be your next payday—if your birth date falls between the 1st and 10th of the month. The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments in rounds, and this Wednesday payment cycle applies to those who started receiving benefits after April 30, 1997.
Who Will Not Receive a Social Security Payment on March 12?
Not all beneficiaries qualify for the March 12 payment. You will not receive a deposit on this date if:
- You received your Social Security check on March 3 (this applies to those who started receiving benefits before May 1997 and SSI recipients).
- You are an SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipient, as this program follows a separate payment schedule.
For those eligible, additional payments will be sent on March 19 and March 26, depending on your birth date. Those born between the 11th and 20th will receive their payments on March 19, while those born from the 21st to 31st will get theirs on March 26.
Maximum Social Security Benefits on March 12
The amount of Social Security benefits you receive depends on your filing age and work history. The maximum payments for retirees are:
- $5,108 – If you filed for benefits at age 70.
- $4,018 – If you filed at Full Retirement Age (FRA) (66-67, depending on birth year).
- $2,831 – If you filed at age 62, the earliest possible age.
To qualify for the highest possible benefit, you must have:
- Worked for at least 35 years
- Earned the Social Security taxable maximum for 35 years
- Paid sufficient Social Security taxes on your earnings
- Delayed filing until age 70
Those who filed earlier or didn’t meet all these conditions will receive a lower monthly payment.
Average Social Security Benefits on March 12
Not everyone receives the maximum amount. The average retirement benefit for March is $1,978 per month. However, specific groups have different average payments:
- Spousal benefits – Average of $931 per month
- Child benefits – Average of $919 per month
Late or Missing Payments? Here’s What to Do
If you were expecting a Social Security payment on March 12 but haven’t received it, here’s what you should do:
- Wait at least three mailing days after your expected payment date.
- Contact your bank to check if the payment was received but is pending processing.
- If your payment is still missing, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
FAQs About Social Security March Payments
Q1: Can I receive my Social Security payment early?
A: No, Social Security follows a set schedule, and payments are not issued early unless your payment date falls on a weekend or holiday.
Q2: What if I haven’t started receiving Social Security yet?
A: If you haven’t filed yet, you can apply for benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
Q3: Can I change my Social Security payment date?
A: No, your payment date is determined by your birth date and cannot be changed.
Q4: Do Social Security benefits increase every year?
A: Yes, benefits are adjusted annually based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to help retirees keep up with inflation.
Q5: What happens if I delay my Social Security application?
A: Delaying your application increases your monthly benefit amount, with the highest increase available if you wait until age 70 to file.
Final Thoughts
March 12 is the next Social Security payday for many retirees. If you qualify, expect your deposit on this date. For those still waiting for payments, check your bank account, EBT card, or direct deposit information before reaching out to SSA for assistance.
Stay informed about your benefits and maximize your Social Security earnings by planning your retirement filing strategy wisely!