YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

BY DAVID BROWN

Many people's lives are hectic and are run by the calendar - even when they are retired. It can be surprisingly easy to forget exactly which day of the month you get your Social Security benefit payment. At one time, it was simpler, since all Social Security payments went out on the third of each month. But since 1997, new beneficiaries get their payments on different dates. If you are someone who doesn't get your payment on the third of the month and if you're not familiar with the Social Security "payday" schedule, here's what I mean.

Generally, the day that you receive your benefit depends on the birth date of the person on whose work record you receive benefits. For example, if you receive benefits as a retired or disabled worker, your benefit will be determined by your birth date. If you receive benefits as a spouse, your benefit payment date will be determined by his or her birth date.

Here's how it works:
Birth Date     Benefits Paid
1-10                 Second Wednesday
11-20               Third Wednesday
21-31               Fourth Wednesday

For example, if your date of birth is June 16, your monthly retirement check will be paid on the third Wednesday of every month. Of course, that Wednesday date could be the 18th of this month, but the 15th of November and the 20th of December.

For that reason, you may want to take advantage of a really handy and convenient calendar showing Social Security payment dates at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/2006calendar.htm .

If you happen to retire abroad or receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income payments, you will receive your Social Security payments on the third of each month.

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.