Social Security payment calendar 2026: When beneficiaries get checks

This guide explains the Social Security payment calendar 2026 and shows when beneficiaries will receive monthly checks. It covers the standard payment schedule, special rules, holiday adjustments, and steps to take if you do not get your payment on time.

How the Social Security payment calendar 2026 works

Social Security retirement, survivors and disability benefits follow a schedule set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The date you receive your monthly benefit generally depends on either your birth date or the date you first became eligible.

The SSA uses two main systems: a weekday-based schedule for beneficiaries who began receiving benefits after May 1997, and a fixed-day schedule for many who were already receiving benefits before that date.

Who follows the Wednesday schedule

If you became eligible for Social Security benefits after May 1997, your payment day in each month is determined by your birth date. The SSA pays benefits on these Wednesdays:

• Birthdays 1–10: second Wednesday of the month
• Birthdays 11–20: third Wednesday of the month
• Birthdays 21–31: fourth Wednesday of the month

Fixed-day schedule and SSI

Many beneficiaries who were receiving benefits before May 1997 receive payments on the third day of each month. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are usually paid on the first of the month, though state-administered supplements can change timing in some states.

Monthly payment dates for 2026

Below are the key dates for each month in 2026. Use the date group that matches your birth date or payment type.

• January: Second Wed Jan 14, Third Wed Jan 21, Fourth Wed Jan 28, Third of month Jan 3, SSI Jan 1
• February: Second Wed Feb 11, Third Wed Feb 18, Fourth Wed Feb 25, Third of month Feb 3, SSI Feb 1
• March: Second Wed Mar 11, Third Wed Mar 18, Fourth Wed Mar 25, Third of month Mar 3, SSI Mar 2 (note: if 1st is Sunday, deposit dates shift)
• April: Second Wed Apr 8, Third Wed Apr 15, Fourth Wed Apr 22, Third of month Apr 3, SSI Apr 1
• May: Second Wed May 13, Third Wed May 20, Fourth Wed May 27, Third of month May 3, SSI May 1
• June: Second Wed Jun 10, Third Wed Jun 17, Fourth Wed Jun 24, Third of month Jun 3, SSI Jun 1
• July: Second Wed Jul 8, Third Wed Jul 15, Fourth Wed Jul 22, Third of month Jul 3, SSI Jul 1
• August: Second Wed Aug 12, Third Wed Aug 19, Fourth Wed Aug 26, Third of month Aug 3, SSI Aug 1
• September: Second Wed Sep 9, Third Wed Sep 16, Fourth Wed Sep 23, Third of month Sep 3, SSI Sep 1
• October: Second Wed Oct 14, Third Wed Oct 21, Fourth Wed Oct 28, Third of month Oct 3, SSI Oct 1
• November: Second Wed Nov 11, Third Wed Nov 18, Fourth Wed Nov 25, Third of month Nov 3, SSI Nov 2
• December: Second Wed Dec 9, Third Wed Dec 16, Fourth Wed Dec 23, Third of month Dec 3, SSI Dec 1

Holiday adjustments for the Social Security payment calendar 2026

If a scheduled payment day falls on a federal holiday or weekend, the SSA typically issues the payment on the prior business day. This applies to both the Wednesday schedule and fixed monthly dates.

Common examples: when a payment date is the 1st of January and that day is a federal holiday, the deposit usually posts the preceding business day. Check your bank or mySocialSecurity account for confirmations.

What to do if you do not receive your 2026 Social Security payment

If your payment is late, first check your bank account and any pending deposits. Confirm whether the SSA payment date for your group fell on a holiday and whether your bank processes deposits that day.

If there is still no payment, take these steps:

• Check your mySocialSecurity account for payment status and notices.
• Contact your bank to ensure no holds or errors are blocking the deposit.
• Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to report a missing payment.

Tips to avoid payment problems

• Keep direct deposit information current with the SSA.
• Update the SSA when you move or change banks.
• Create a mySocialSecurity account to access statements and notifications.

Small case study: How the calendar affects beneficiaries

Maria, born July 12, 1959, became eligible after 1997. Her birth date (12) places her on the third Wednesday schedule. In July 2026 she received her benefit on July 15. The predictable weekday schedule helped her plan monthly bill payments.

By contrast, Paul, who started benefits in 1995, receives his check on the third day of each month. In November 2026 he received his payment on Nov 3. When November holidays fall near the 1st or 3rd, Paul checks his bank notice a day earlier.

Final checklist for 2026 Social Security payment planning

• Confirm which schedule applies to you: birth-date Wednesday schedule or fixed-day schedule.
• Note the exact calendar dates above for your payment group.
• Sign up for direct deposit and a mySocialSecurity account for faster notices.
• Contact SSA if your payment is missing after checking banks and holiday adjustments.

Keeping these dates and steps in mind will help you manage monthly cash flow in 2026. If you have more specific questions about your benefits, contact the Social Security Administration or your local office.