When Benefits Are Paid

• Social Security checks are dispatched every second, third and fourth Wednesday of the month. If you don't get your check three days past due, contact the Social Security Administration, or the Department of Veterinary Affairs if you're a retired military officer, and inform them your check is missing.
  
  

The Numbers to Call

• To report a stolen check contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or TTY (800) 325-0778 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Veterans must contact the Department of Veteran's Affairs directly to report a stolen check.
  
  

Check Reissuance

• Once you report it, the Social Security Administration will stop the check and start the process of reissuing a replacement. It usually takes a while for the check to be reissued. The process is long, especially if it is the major source of your income. The safest way to get Social Security benefits is through direct deposit. The money goes straight into your account.
  
  

Explaining the Circumstances

• When you call to report a stolen check, you have to explain why you think your check is lost. The Social Security Administration sends you information on the check claim process together with forms to complete. Once you return the forms for processing, you can call (800) 826-9434 to find out the status of your claim.