Social Security Payments for Birthday 1st-10th: Arriving February 11, 2026

Millions of Americans are set to receive their monthly retirement and disability benefits this week as the Social Security Administration (SSA) continues its distributed payment cycle for February. Beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 1st and the 10th of any given month can expect their funds to arrive on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

This payment represents the second major wave of disbursements for the month, following the early February 3rd payments made to those who began receiving benefits prior to May 1997 or who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

February 11 Payment Eligibility

The SSA uses a staggered schedule to ensure the efficient processing of payments for more than 70 million recipients. The specific date an individual receives their check is primarily determined by their day of birth.

For the February 11, 2026 distribution, the following criteria apply:

• Birth Date: Your birthday must fall between the 1st and the 10th of the month.
• Benefit Type: This applies to Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries.
• Claim Date: Generally, this schedule applies to those who filed for benefits after May 1, 1997.

If you receive benefits based on a spouse’s or parent’s earnings record, your payment date is determined by their birth date rather than your own.

Remaining Social Security Schedule for February 2026

If your birthday falls later in the month, your payment will arrive in one of the subsequent weekly waves. The official SSA schedule for the remainder of February is as follows:

• Birthdays 11th–20th: Payments will be deposited on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
• Birthdays 21st–31st: Payments will be deposited on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

It is important to note that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients received their February funds early on Friday, January 30, because February 1 fell on a Sunday. The next SSI payment, which is for March, is scheduled to arrive on February 27, 2026.

How the 2026 COLA Increase Impacts Your Check

Payments arriving this February reflect the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that went into effect at the start of the year. This increase was designed to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation and rising costs for essential goods and services.

According to data from the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit for a retired worker has risen to approximately $2,071 in 2026. While the 2.8% increase provides a boost to gross benefits, many recipients may notice a slight adjustment in their net take-home amount due to an increase in Medicare Part B premiums, which are typically deducted directly from Social Security checks.

What to Do If Your February Payment Is Delayed

While the SSA is highly consistent with its electronic transfers, occasional delays can occur depending on your financial institution. If you do not see your funds in your account on February 11, experts recommend taking the following steps:

1. Contact Your Bank: Check with your financial institution first, as processing times can vary between banks.
2. Wait Three Days: The SSA requests that beneficiaries wait three additional mailing days before reporting a missing payment.
3. Report to SSA: If the funds are still missing after the three-day grace period, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local field office.

Most beneficiaries receive their payments via direct deposit or the Direct Express® Debit Mastercard, which significantly reduces the risk of loss or theft associated with traditional paper checks.

Frequently Asked Questions