Social Security payment calendar 2026: Monthly payment dates
Social Security retirement and disability payments in 2026 follow the standard SSA schedule based on a beneficiary’s birth date. Knowing the calendar helps you plan bills, direct deposits, and budgeting for the year.
This guide lists the 2026 monthly check dates by birthdate group and explains what to do if your payment looks different.
How Social Security payment dates are set
The Social Security Administration pays most retirement and disability beneficiaries on a Wednesday each month depending on the beneficiary’s birth date. The groups are 1–10, 11–20, and 21–31 for the second, third, and fourth Wednesday respectively.
Some long-term beneficiaries who began receiving benefits before May 1997 may still be on an older schedule. If you are unsure which schedule applies to you, check your My Social Security account or your award letter.
2026 Social Security payment calendar: Dates by birth date group
Below are the exact 2026 payment dates for each birth date group. These dates are the SSA Wednesdays for each month.
Born on the 1st–10th: Second Wednesday each month
- January 14, 2026
- February 11, 2026
- March 11, 2026
- April 8, 2026
- May 13, 2026
- June 10, 2026
- July 8, 2026
- August 12, 2026
- September 9, 2026
- October 14, 2026
- November 11, 2026
- December 9, 2026
Born on the 11th–20th: Third Wednesday each month
- January 21, 2026
- February 18, 2026
- March 18, 2026
- April 15, 2026
- May 20, 2026
- June 17, 2026
- July 15, 2026
- August 19, 2026
- September 16, 2026
- October 21, 2026
- November 18, 2026
- December 16, 2026
Born on the 21st–31st: Fourth Wednesday each month
- January 28, 2026
- February 25, 2026
- March 25, 2026
- April 22, 2026
- May 27, 2026
- June 24, 2026
- July 22, 2026
- August 26, 2026
- September 23, 2026
- October 28, 2026
- November 25, 2026
- December 23, 2026
Other timing rules to know
- If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, you may be on an older payment schedule. Check your SSA notices or My Social Security to confirm.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and some federal programs may use different payment dates. Confirm with SSA if you receive more than one benefit type.
- Payments are generally issued by direct deposit on the scheduled day. If the scheduled day falls on a federal holiday, the SSA posts guidance for that year.
Most Social Security payments are sent electronically now. Setting up direct deposit can reduce delays and give you immediate access on the scheduled day.
What to do if your check doesn’t arrive
If your payment does not appear on the scheduled date, first check your bank account for any pending direct deposit. Sometimes banks list deposits as pending before clearing the funds.
If there is no pending deposit, log in to your My Social Security account or call the SSA. Have your Social Security number and recent payment information ready.
Tips to avoid payment problems
- Keep your bank and contact details current in your My Social Security account.
- Sign up for electronic statements and alerts to get paid notice quickly.
- Save copies of award letters and correspondence that show your payment schedule.
Small case study: How the calendar helps monthly planning
Case study: Maria, born on April 12, 1959, receives Social Security retirement benefits. Her birth date places her in the 1–10 group, so she gets paid on the second Wednesday each month.
For 2026 Maria notes these dates and aligns her rent and utility auto-payments to avoid overdraft. When a bank error delayed one deposit, she had the SSA payment date and bank proof ready when calling customer service. The issue cleared in two business days.
How to verify your 2026 Social Security payment date
Verify your payment schedule in three easy steps. First, log in to My Social Security at ssa.gov and check your payment history and scheduled dates.
Second, review any recent SSA letters or emails — they list your payment frequency and date group. Third, contact your local SSA office or call the toll-free number if you see discrepancies.
Quick checklist
- Confirm your birth date group (1–10, 11–20, 21–31).
- Note the corresponding second, third, or fourth Wednesday each month.
- Set up direct deposit and alerts in My Social Security.
- Keep contact info up to date with SSA.
Using the Social Security payment calendar 2026 will help you plan monthly finances and avoid surprises. If you have questions about your individual schedule, contact the SSA directly or check your online account for the most accurate information.