Why was my social security deposited on the Feb 3rd when i should have got it on the 16th this month? Will they ask for it back?

Hi. I have no idea, but I wouldn't think Social Security will ask you to return the payment unless you get 2 payments this month.

What I can tell you is that the day of the month on which your benefits are paid is based on Social Security law (https://www.ssa.gov/kc/rp_paybenefits.htm). That law was amended by Congress in 1997, and it hasn't changed since that time. Starting with May 1997, the only people who should be receiving their benefits on the 3rd day of the month are:
a) People who first filed for benefits before May 1997; or,
b) People who are receiving both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security payments; or,
c) People who live in a foreign country; or,
d) People whose Medicare premiums are paid by the state where they live.

Your payment date may have changed if your status in one of the above categories has changed. Social Security normally mails out a notice when they change a person's payment date. Otherwise, you'd have to call Social Security for an explanation.

Best, Jerry