This guide details the distribution timelines for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments throughout 2026, offering clarity on when beneficiaries can expect to receive their funds. It covers the standard payment schedule, which is largely influenced by birth dates, as well as specific adjustments for SSI payments around holidays and weekends. Additionally, the article explains the 2.8% increase in benefits for 2026, a measure implemented to account for inflation, and provides a comprehensive monthly breakdown of payment dates.
Navigating Your Financial Future: Essential Dates for Social Security and SSI Payments in 2026
Key Information Regarding Your Benefits
Each year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a consistent schedule for distributing payments to its extensive network of beneficiaries. This approach helps ensure predictability for recipients of Social Security benefits.
How Payment Dates Are Determined
For most beneficiaries, the timing of their payments is linked to their birth date, with disbursements typically occurring on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month. However, individuals who began receiving retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits prior to May 1997 generally receive their payments on the third day of every month, following a different historical schedule.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Distribution
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate program designed to assist individuals with disabilities and those aged 65 or older with limited income, operates on its own payment cycle. These payments are usually issued on the first day of each month. Should the first of the month fall on a holiday or weekend, SSI payments are adjusted and distributed on the last business day of the preceding month to ensure timely access to funds.
Inflation Adjustment for 2026
For the year 2026, Social Security payments have been increased by 2.8% compared to 2025. This adjustment is a direct response to inflation, aimed at helping beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power in the face of rising costs. This increase affects over 74 million Social Security and SSI beneficiaries, ensuring their benefits keep pace with economic changes.
January Payment Schedule
In January 2026, beneficiaries will receive payments as follows: those born between the 11th and 20th will be paid on January 21st; individuals born between the 21st and 31st will receive payments on January 28th. Additionally, SSI payments for February will be issued early on January 30th.
February Payment Schedule
February 2026 payments include: beneficiaries who started collecting before May 1997 will be paid on February 3rd; those born between the 1st and 10th will receive payments on February 11th; individuals born between the 11th and 20th will be paid on February 18th; and those born between the 21st and 31st will receive payments on February 25th. SSI payments for March are scheduled for February 27th.
March Payment Schedule
For March 2026, beneficiaries collecting since before May 1997 will receive payments on March 3rd. Those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th will be paid on March 11th. Individuals born between the 11th and 20th will receive benefits on March 18th, and those born between the 21st and 31st will be paid on March 25th.
April Payment Schedule
In April 2026, SSI payments will be issued on April 1st. Beneficiaries who began collecting prior to May 1997 will receive payments on April 3rd. Those born between the 1st and 10th of any month will be paid on April 8th. Individuals with birthdays between the 11th and 20th will receive benefits on April 15th, and those born between the 21st and 31st will be paid on April 22nd.
May Payment Schedule
May 2026 payments will include SSI disbursements and benefits for those collecting since before May 1997, both on May 1st. Individuals born between the 1st and 10th will be paid on May 13th. Those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th will receive benefits on May 20th, and those born between the 21st and 31st will be paid on May 27th.
June Payment Schedule
For June 2026, SSI payments will be made on June 1st. Beneficiaries collecting since before May 1997 will receive payments on June 3rd. Those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th will be paid on June 10th. Individuals born between the 11th and 20th will receive benefits on June 17th, and those born between the 21st and 31st will be paid on June 24th.
July Payment Schedule
In July 2026, SSI payments will be issued on July 1st. Benefits for those who began collecting before May 1997 will be paid on July 2nd. Individuals born between the 1st and 10th will receive payments on July 8th. Those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th will be paid on July 15th, and those born between the 21st and 31st will receive benefits on July 22nd. SSI payments for August are scheduled for July 31st.
August Payment Schedule
August 2026 payments include: beneficiaries who started collecting before May 1997 will be paid on August 3rd. Those born between the 1st and 10th will receive payments on August 12th. Individuals born between the 11th and 20th will be paid on August 19th, and those born between the 21st and 31st will receive benefits on August 26th.
September Payment Schedule
For September 2026, SSI payments will be made on September 1st. Beneficiaries collecting since before May 1997 will receive payments on September 3rd. Those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th will be paid on September 9th. Individuals born between the 11th and 20th will receive benefits on September 16th, and those born between the 21st and 31st will be paid on September 23rd.
October Payment Schedule
In October 2026, SSI payments will be issued on October 1st. Benefits for those who began collecting prior to May 1997 will be paid on October 2nd. Individuals born between the 1st and 10th of any month will be paid on October 14th. Those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th will receive benefits on October 21st, and those born between the 21st and 31st will be paid on October 28th. SSI payments for November are scheduled for October 30th.
November Payment Schedule
For November 2026, beneficiaries collecting since before May 1997 will receive payments on November 3rd. Those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th will be paid on November 10th. Individuals born between the 11th and 20th will receive benefits on November 18th, and those born between the 21st and 31st will be paid on November 25th.
December Payment Schedule
In December 2026, SSI payments will be made on December 1st. Benefits for those who began collecting before May 1997 will be paid on December 3rd. Individuals born between the 1st and 10th will receive payments on December 9th. Those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th will be paid on December 16th, and those born between the 21st and 31st will receive benefits on December 23rd. SSI payments for January 2027 are scheduled for December 31st.
