What's the rationale for SS payment dates?

[ChazInAz]

I've been on SS since 2012, and in the past year the dates that deposits are made have been all over the calender. This year, alone, they've gone from the end of the month to the beginning, then back to the end. Changed every month, making it impossible to plan budgets.
At the moment, I'm dead broke, looking forward to getting back on track next week. Then discovered that March payment will be on the 25'th. So...no income for another month.
I almost feel nostalgic for the old, arcane method involving birthdays and Wednesdays!

[jmbar2]

1. Actually, they are coming early due to Feb short month

I usually get mine on the 3rd, but it shows up in my bank statement a couple of days early. Just looked and March hit this morning.

Hang in there.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. My SS payments are deposited into my account like clockwork on the third Wednesday of every month.

[Ocelot II]

3. Mine, too. It's never changed.

[Freddie]

5. Mine too. 4th Wednesday of the month

Maybe it’s your bank?

[CurtEastPoint]

7. Yep... Wed #4 for me, too!

[Timewas]

4. The 3rd

Every month since it started a long time ago, always the 3rd unless that is a Sat. or Sun. then is comes the Friday before.

[MissLilyBart]

6. It's probably your bank not releasing the funds.

The 'birthday' schedule is still the one that is used.

This government publication shows the schedule for 2026, and the rational behind it: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031-2026.pdf

My payment and my husband's always posts like clockwork, second Wednesday of the month.