This guide explains the Social Security payment calendar 2026 and shows when beneficiaries should expect monthly checks. It covers regular retirement and disability payments, SSI timing, and practical steps to track deposits.
Social Security payment calendar 2026: How dates are set
Most Social Security retirement and disability payments for people who became eligible after May 1997 are paid on a Wednesday each month. The exact Wednesday depends on your birth date.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follows a different schedule, generally paid on the first of the month, with adjustments if that day is a weekend or federal holiday.
Who follows the Social Security payment calendar 2026?
The Wednesday schedule applies to beneficiaries who first received benefits after May 1997. People who were receiving benefits before May 1997 usually keep their original monthly payment day.
If you get both SSI and Social Security retirement or disability, your payment dates may differ. Check your award letter or My Social Security account for specifics.
Social Security payment calendar 2026: Monthly dates
For retirees and disability beneficiaries whose payments follow the Wednesday schedule, use these rules:
- Birthdays 1–10: paid on the second Wednesday of each month.
- Birthdays 11–20: paid on the third Wednesday of each month.
- Birthdays 21–31: paid on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
Below are the 2026 calendar dates by month for those three groups. If a scheduled payment day falls on a bank holiday or weekend, your deposit will arrive the business day before.
- January 2026 – 2nd Wed: Jan 14 | 3rd Wed: Jan 21 | 4th Wed: Jan 28
- February 2026 – 2nd Wed: Feb 11 | 3rd Wed: Feb 18 | 4th Wed: Feb 25
- March 2026 – 2nd Wed: Mar 11 | 3rd Wed: Mar 18 | 4th Wed: Mar 25
- April 2026 – 2nd Wed: Apr 8 | 3rd Wed: Apr 15 | 4th Wed: Apr 22
- May 2026 – 2nd Wed: May 13 | 3rd Wed: May 20 | 4th Wed: May 27
- June 2026 – 2nd Wed: Jun 10 | 3rd Wed: Jun 17 | 4th Wed: Jun 24
- July 2026 – 2nd Wed: Jul 8 | 3rd Wed: Jul 15 | 4th Wed: Jul 22
- August 2026 – 2nd Wed: Aug 12 | 3rd Wed: Aug 19 | 4th Wed: Aug 26
- September 2026 – 2nd Wed: Sep 9 | 3rd Wed: Sep 16 | 4th Wed: Sep 23
- October 2026 – 2nd Wed: Oct 14 | 3rd Wed: Oct 21 | 4th Wed: Oct 28
- November 2026 – 2nd Wed: Nov 11 | 3rd Wed: Nov 18 | 4th Wed: Nov 25
- December 2026 – 2nd Wed: Dec 9 | 3rd Wed: Dec 16 | 4th Wed: Dec 23
SSI payment timing in 2026
Most SSI recipients receive payments on the first of each month. If the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deposit will typically arrive the business day before.
Check your local SSA office or My Social Security account for any state-specific exceptions or changes.
Since changes made in the 1990s, most Social Security retirement and disability payments are distributed on Wednesdays. The change aimed to consolidate processing and reduce fraud risk.
How to use the Social Security payment calendar 2026
Follow these practical steps to stay on top of your benefit payments.
- Find your birth date group (1–10, 11–20, 21–31) to know which Wednesday applies.
- Set calendar alerts a few days before your payment to check your bank account.
- Use direct deposit to avoid mail delays; it is faster and more secure.
- Register for a My Social Security account to view payment history and upcoming payments.
What if your payment is late or missing?
Check your bank statement and My Social Security account first. If you still cannot find the payment, contact the Social Security Administration or your bank. Keep records of notices, bank statements, and any phone calls.
Case study: Real-world example
Maria, a retired teacher, was born on May 4 and began collecting benefits in 2018. Her birthday falls in the 1–10 group, so she gets paid on the second Wednesday each month.
For March 2026, Maria expects her payment on March 11. She set a calendar reminder two days earlier and confirmed direct deposit with her bank. This confirmed timing helps her plan for monthly bills and prescriptions.
Tips to simplify payment tracking in 2026
- Enable direct deposit and e-notices from your bank.
- Keep your contact info current with SSA to receive mailed notices and statements.
- Review your annual Social Security statement for benefit changes and cost-of-living adjustments.
Using the Social Security payment calendar 2026 helps you anticipate deposits, avoid surprises, and plan monthly expenses. If you are unsure which schedule applies to you, log into My Social Security or call the SSA for confirmation.