Certain Social Security recipients won't be getting a check in November
The Social Security Administration sends out its monthly checks on a strict schedule, but some won't be getting November checks.
November is nearly here, and for some Social Security recipients, that means no pay check this month. Before you begin to worry, however, know your payment is just coming at a different time.
The Social Security Administration sends out its monthly checks on a strict schedule, with beneficiaries receiving their checks like clockwork. The schedule is announced the year prior, meaning that for 2026 is already out.
During some months, recipients may not receive a check — but that's not quite the bad thing you think it is. In those cases, the payment date may fall on a weekend, so checks come the month before. That's the case for November. It comes after Social Security is preparing to make major announcement impacting 2026 paychecks.
Which Social Security recipients won't receive a November check?
Those who collect Supplemental Security Income won't be getting a check in November, but that's because they got two in October.
SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources, according to the SSA. There are about 5,000 people in the U.S. on SSI.
The payment usually comes on the first of the month, but in November, that falls on a Saturday. Therefore, SSI recipients received a check on Oct. 1 and Oct. 31.
What is the November Social Security payment schedule?
The distribution schedule is based on the recipient's birthday, with payments sent out three times a month on Wednesdays, according to the SSA Schedule:
- Born between the 1st and 10th of the month, expect their checks on Nov. 12
- Born between the 11th and 20th of the month, expect checks on Nov. 19
- Born between 21st to the 31st of the month, expect checks on Nov. 26
If you received Social Security before May 1997, that payment comes on the 3rd of every month.
Electronic payment only
Starting in October, all beneficiaries only receive their checks electronically. Prior to the change, less than 1% of beneficiaries still receive physical payments.
There are two options for receiving electronic payments. You can sign up for direct deposit with your bank, where payments are directly transferred into your checking or savings accounts.