Below is a clear, month-by-month Social Security payment calendar for 2026 and an explanation of how the payment schedule works. Use this to check when your monthly benefit should arrive and what to do if a date falls on a weekend or holiday.
Social Security payment calendar 2026: How the schedule works
Most Social Security retirement, survivor and disability beneficiaries receive monthly payments on a Wednesday. The specific Wednesday depends on your birth date if you started benefits after May 1997.
General rules:
- Birthdays 1–10: payment on the second Wednesday of the month.
- Birthdays 11–20: payment on the third Wednesday of the month.
- Birthdays 21–31: payment on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
People who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 are typically paid on the third day of each month. If the scheduled date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is issued on the previous business day.
Supplemental Security Income and other schedules
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and some state-administered payments follow different calendars. If you receive SSI or a combination of benefits, check the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or your benefit letter for the exact date.
Payment dates for second, third and fourth Wednesdays in 2026
Below are the 2026 dates when Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries (post-May 1997 starts) should expect payments, by group.
- Second Wednesday (birthdays 1–10): Jan 14; Feb 11; Mar 11; Apr 8; May 13; Jun 10; Jul 8; Aug 12; Sep 9; Oct 14; Nov 11; Dec 9.
- Third Wednesday (birthdays 11–20): Jan 21; Feb 18; Mar 18; Apr 15; May 20; Jun 17; Jul 15; Aug 19; Sep 16; Oct 21; Nov 18; Dec 16.
- Fourth Wednesday (birthdays 21–31): Jan 28; Feb 25; Mar 25; Apr 22; May 27; Jun 24; Jul 22; Aug 26; Sep 23; Oct 28; Nov 25; Dec 23.
Payment dates for beneficiaries on the third-of-month schedule (pre-May 1997)
If you started benefits before May 1997, you usually get paid on the 3rd of each month. If the 3rd falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment moves to the previous business day.
- Jan 3, 2026 → falls on Saturday; payment issued Jan 2 (Friday).
- Feb 3, 2026 → Tuesday.
- Mar 3, 2026 → Tuesday.
- Apr 3, 2026 → Friday.
- May 3, 2026 → Sunday; payment issued May 1 (Friday).
- Jun 3, 2026 → Wednesday.
- Jul 3, 2026 → Friday.
- Aug 3, 2026 → Monday.
- Sep 3, 2026 → Thursday.
- Oct 3, 2026 → Saturday; payment issued Oct 2 (Friday).
- Nov 3, 2026 → Tuesday.
- Dec 3, 2026 → Thursday.
The Social Security Administration uses birth-date grouping only for beneficiaries who began receiving benefits after May 1997. If you changed your benefit type or have special circumstances, your payment day may differ.
What to do if your payment is late
Most electronic payments arrive on the scheduled date. If you do not see your payment, first confirm the date in your SSA account or benefit letter.
If the date matches but the payment is missing, follow these steps:
- Check with your bank or financial institution to confirm deposit timing.
- Verify your direct deposit or Medicare premium deductions haven’t delayed the net amount.
- Contact the SSA by phone or in person if you still can’t find the payment.
Common reasons for payment delays
- Bank processing times or holidays that move the effective posting date.
- Returned or outdated direct deposit information.
- Administrative holds for unresolved documentation or eligibility reviews.
Real-world example: How the 2026 calendar affects beneficiaries
Case study: Maria receives Social Security and began benefits in 2005. Her birthday is April 9, so she is in the 1–10 group and gets paid on the second Wednesday each month.
In April 2026 Maria will receive her check on April 8. She plans bill payments knowing deposit arrives mid-month. If Maria had started benefits before 1997, she would instead see payment around April 3 and would plan differently.
Tips to stay organized
- Save the SSA benefit letter or take a screenshot of your online payment schedule.
- Set calendar reminders for your payment date each month.
- If you depend on combined income streams, list each payment date to avoid shortfalls.
For exact account information, or if you receive SSI or state-administered payments, log in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov or call your local SSA office. Dates can change if a federal holiday or specific administrative action affects processing.
