It’s official—the Social Security Administration (SSA) has released its payment schedule for the coming year, so you don’t have to wait any longer if you’re wondering when you’ll get your money.
The schedule will also determine when people with limited income or resources will receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Understanding the payment schedule and knowing when you will receive your payments is essential if you need to pay monthly expenses, pay bills, or plan for the coming year or payments. Read on to find out when you will receive your benefits in 2026.
How social security payment dates are chosen
If you receive Social Security benefits, you can most likely expect to receive your money on Wednesday (but there are exceptions). To make distributions smooth for everyone, the SSA usually tells you when you’ll be paid.
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If you were born between the 1st and 10th of any month, you will receive your payment on the second Wednesday of each month.
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If you were born between the 11th and the 20th, you will receive your payment on the third Wednesday.
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If you were born between the 21st and 31st, you will receive your payment on the fourth Wednesday.
So all you really need to know is your birthday and then you can figure out when you’ll be paid!
As for SSI payments, they are usually made on the 1st of the month unless that day falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case it will be the preceding business day.
Exceptions
As mentioned above, the specified payment plan exceptions may not be related to your birthday. The exceptions are:
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If you started receiving Social Security before 1997 in May, you will receive your payment on the third day of each month, regardless of your birthday.
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If you receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, you will usually receive your Social Security payment on the 3rd day of the month and your SSI payment on the 1st day of the month.
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If you are a spouse or survivor receiving benefits based on someone else’s income, or have another unique situation, your payment schedule may vary depending on
What days can you expect payment?
Now that you understand the schedule and when you’re most likely to get paid, let’s move on to the actual payment dates.
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January: SSI will be in 2025. December 31, because January 1 is a public holiday. Regular payments will be made on January 2, 14, 21 and 28. The February SSI payment will be on January 30th, since February 1st. it’s the weekend.
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in February: SSI is on January 30th, followed by payments on February 3rd, 11th, 18th and 25th. March SSI will be paid on February 27th, as March 1st. it’s the weekend.
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March: SSI will be on February 27th and payments will be made on March 3rd, 11th, 18th and 25th.
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April: SSI will be paid on April 1st, followed by April 3rd, 8th, 15th and 22nd.
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May: SSI will be due on May 1st and these payments will be made on May 13th, 20th and 27th.
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June: SSI will be on June 1st, followed by June 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th.
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July: SSI is on July 1st, followed by July 2nd, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 31st. (this additional payment is for August SSI, but since August 1st is a weekend, the payment will be made the day before).
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August: SSI is on July 31st, but the next monthly payments are on August 12th, 19th and 26th.
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September: SSI is on September 1st and payments are made on September 3rd, 9th, 16th and 23rd
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October: SSI is on October 1st, followed by payments on October 2nd, 14th, 21st, 28th. The SSI payment for November will be on October 3rd, since November 1st. falls on the weekend.
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November: SSI is on October 30th and payments are on November 3rd, 10th, 18th and 25th.
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December: SSI is on December 1st, followed by December 3rd, 9th, 16th and 23rd. SSI payment for 2027 January will decrease in 2026 December 31, because January 1 is a public holiday.
You can see official schedule from SSA here if you want to plan your year ahead. If you’re planning to get your Social Security payment in 2026, make sure you know when you can expect it!
Read on to learn more!
Can I work and get Social Security? Expert advice on how to get benefits before you retire
Social Security spousal benefits can add to your monthly check — here’s how to claim yours
What new Social Security changes could mean for your retirement plans