diff --git a/tests/phpunit/CRM/Contribute/BAO/ContributionRecurTest.php b/tests/phpunit/CRM/Contribute/BAO/ContributionRecurTest.php
index 1ba6b9dcbe8b..f5c9d4fe34b5 100644
--- a/tests/phpunit/CRM/Contribute/BAO/ContributionRecurTest.php
+++ b/tests/phpunit/CRM/Contribute/BAO/ContributionRecurTest.php
@@ -331,7 +331,7 @@ public function testAutoRenewalWhenOneMemberIsDeceased() {
           'contact_id' => $contactId,
           'membership_type_id' => $priceField['membership_type_id'],
           'source' => 'Payment',
-          'join_date' => date('Y-m') . '-28',
+          'join_date' => date('Y-m', strtotime('1 month ago')) . '-28',
           'start_date' => date('Y-m') . '-28',
           'contribution_recur_id' => $contributionRecurId,
           'status_id' => 'Pending',