How long does it take to get the first SSDI checks after being approved for benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) spreads out payments for beneficiaries over four weeks each month depending on the type of payment, when a beneficiary began to claim their entitlement or the day of the month they were born.

If your application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is approved, you must wait five months before you can receive your first SSDI benefit payment. This means you would receive your first payment in the sixth full month after the date we find that your disability began.

There is no waiting period if your disability results from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you are approved for SSDI benefits on or after July 23, 2020.

Benefits are paid the month after for which they are due, meaning a benefit due for April 2023 would be paid in May 2023.

Social Security payments: what to do if they don’t arrive?

Electronic payments should be in recipients bank accounts first thing in the morning on the day of their scheduled payment. For all recipients, the SSA cautions not to contact the agency immediately if a payment isn’t received but to allow three additional mailing days.

The SSA recommends contacting your bank, financial institution, or post office. If you have already contacted an agency, it is recommended to call 1-800-772-1213 for more information. SSA protocol for these situations also includes calling or visiting your nearest office Social Security.