The social security site shows that my start date for benefits began on 5/09, but I did not receive my first check until 6/09. Was that check for May or June? If June, does that mean my start date was June 2009 rather than May 2009 or is the benefit payment always a month behind?
Wendy: Social Security, like most pensions, is paid the month after the payment is due. May SS checks are paid on June 1 (or whenever your payment date is).
To me, it makes sense... you work a week, and are paid for that week at the end of it. Same with pensions and Social Security, you are on SS for a month, then you get paid.