The first of round Social Security checks reflecting the new 5.9% cost of living adjustment went out this month, and recipients are now waiting on their second check, coming in February. The increase is the largest in nearly 40 years for those who qualify for the adjustment, and it could not come at a more welcome time. Inflation is now 7% and expected to keep rising as the pandemic wears on. 

                By                    Georgina Tzanetos

See: 9 Things Most Retirees Don’t Know About Social SecurityFind: How Do Special Payments I Receive After Retirement Affect My Social Security?

For February’s payments, the Social Security schedule is as follows:

  • If your birth date is on the 1st-10th of the month, then your payment will be distributed on the second Wednesday, which is Feb. 9.
  • If your birth date is on the 11th-20th, then your payment will be distributed on the third Wednesday, which is Feb. 16.
  • If your birth date is on the 21st-31st, then your payment will be distributed on the third Wednesday, which is Feb. 23.

If you feel like Social Security does not provide enough income to meet your basic needs, you may be eligible to apply for Supplemental Security Income to receive an additional benefit on top of your monthly SS check. SSI will be paid out on Feb. 1.

See: 17 Tips To Live Comfortably Off Just a Social Security CheckFind: How To Toggle Distributions Between Social Security and Retirement Accounts To Lower Your Tax Bill

If you began receiving Social Security before May 1997, or you receive both Social Security and SSI, you will receive your SSI payment on Feb. 1 and your Social Security payment on Feb. 3.

You can check on your benefit payments, statements and all other Social Security concerns by creating your own mySocialSecurity account online. This will give you 24/7 access to your Social Security account and allow you to obtain benefit statements and verification letters instantly and take care of most administrative needs from the comfort of your own home.

  • How Much You Should Have in Your Savings Account at Every Stage of Life
  • Find Out Which Banks Are the Top 100 Banks Leading the US in 2022
  • How Has COVID-19 Impacted the 2022 Tax Season?
  • 35 Useless Expenses You Need To Slash From Your Budget Now