Social Security payment schedule for 2026 as some months will have two payments
Social Security recipients can already start planning for when they will be getting their payments in 2026 as next year's schedule has been released
Though this year is not quite over, Social Security recipients can already start planning for when they will be getting their payments in 2026.
The Social Security Administration recently announced the cost-of-living adjustment for next year, despite being delayed by the government shutdown. It determines how much checks will increase due to inflation.
The agency said checks will go up by 2.8%, which translates to about $56 more per payment. There are about 75 million Americans who rely on Social Security benefits for their daily expenses. The 2026 schedule has now been released, so here’s when checks will be delivered.
2026 Social Security payment schedule
The distribution of payments is based on the recipient's birthday and they are sent out three times a month on Wednesdays. For any month, the payment schedule is as follows:
- If your birthday falls on days 1 through 10, you receive your payments on the second Wednesday of each month.
- If your birthday falls on days 11 through 20, you receive your payments on the third Wednesday of each month.
- If your birthday falls on days 21 through 31, you receive your payments on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
However, for those who received Social Security before May 1997, or those who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, Social Security is paid on the 3rd and SSI on the 1st of the month, unless it’s a weekend.
January
The paydays in January are the 14th, 21st, and 28th, depending on the recipient’s birthday.
February
The paydays in February are the 11th, 18th, and 25th, depending on the recipient’s birthday.
March
The paydays in March are the 11th, 18th, and 25th, depending on the recipient’s birthday.
April
The paydays in April are the 8th, 15th, and 22nd, depending on the recipient’s birthday.
May
The paydays in May are the 13th, 20th, and 27th, depending on the recipient’s birthday.
June
The paydays in June are the 10th, 17th, and 24th, depending on the recipient’s birthday.
July
The paydays in July are the 8th, 15th, and 22nd, depending on the recipient’s birthday. SSI recipients will receive two paychecks in July, on the 1st and on the 31st.
August
The paydays in August are the 12th, 19th, and 26th, depending on the recipient’s birthday. SSI recipients will not receive a paycheck in August.
September
The paydays in September are the 9th, 16th, and 23rd, depending on the recipient’s birthday.
October
The paydays in October are the 14th, 21st, and 28th, depending on the recipient’s birthday. SSI recipients will receive two payments in October, on the 1st and on the 31st.
November
The paydays in November are the 10th, 18th, and 25th, depending on the recipient’s birthday. SSI recipients will not receive a payment in November.
December
The paydays in December are the 9th, 16th, and 23rd, depending on the recipient’s birthday. SSI recipients will receive two payments in December, on the 1st and on the 31st.