As February 2026 comes to a close, the Social Security Administration is finishing its monthly payment schedule. Millions of Americans depend on these payments for daily living expenses such as housing, food, and healthcare. Understanding who has already been paid and who is still waiting can help beneficiaries plan their finances with confidence.
February 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule
The Social Security Administration serves about 70.6 million people who receive retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. Most recipients are paid on one of three Wednesdays each month. The exact Wednesday depends on the birth date of the worker whose earnings qualify them for benefits.
In February, beneficiaries with birthdays between the first and the twentieth of any month received their payments on the second and third Wednesdays. The final group, which includes those with birthdays after the twentieth, is scheduled to receive payment on the fourth Wednesday of February. This will complete the regular three-Wednesday payment cycle for the month.
Payments Outside the Wednesday Cycle
Some beneficiaries are paid on different dates. Supplemental Security Income recipients were the first to receive their February payment. Because February 1 fell on a Sunday, SSI benefits were issued early on Friday, January 30. SSI is generally paid on the first day of each month, but payments move earlier when the first falls on a weekend or holiday.
On February 3, retirement, disability, and survivor benefits were sent to individuals who have been receiving benefits since before May 1997. Payments were also made that day to people who receive both Social Security benefits and SSI. SSI supports low-income individuals who are age 65 or older or have qualifying disabilities. Unlike retirement benefits, SSI is based on financial need and not on prior Social Security tax contributions.
Upcoming SSI Payment for March
After the final Wednesday payment in February, there will be one more distribution before the month ends. Since March 1 falls on a Sunday, March SSI payments will be issued early on Friday, February 27. This ensures recipients receive their funds without delay due to the weekend.
Average Benefit Amounts and COLA Increase
As of January 2026, retired workers receive an average monthly benefit of about $2,074.53. Disabled workers receive around $1,633.48 on average, while survivor beneficiaries receive approximately $1,622.32. SSI recipients receive an average of $737.00 per month. These figures reflect the 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment applied at the start of 2026.
The Social Security Administration provides electronic payment methods to ensure secure and timely delivery of benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Payment dates, benefit amounts, and eligibility rules are subject to official Social Security Administration policies and updates. Beneficiaries should verify details through official SSA resources or contact the agency directly for personalized information.
