Social Security February 2026 Payment Schedule: Confirmed Check Dates

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially confirmed the distribution timeline for benefits in February 2026. This month is particularly significant for millions of Americans as it represents the second full month of the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. For most beneficiaries, the 2.8% raise is now a standard part of their monthly budget, helping to offset the rising costs of essential goods and services.

Because February is the shortest month of the year and February 1 falls on a Sunday, the payment calendar includes several strategic adjustments to ensure recipients receive their funds on time. Understanding these specific dates is crucial for effective financial planning and avoiding payment gaps.

February 2026 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Schedule

Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will notice a shift in their arrival dates this month. Under standard SSA rules, when the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are issued on the preceding business day.

• February SSI Payment: Since February 1, 2026, is a Sunday, the SSA issued the February SSI payment early on Friday, January 30, 2026.
• March SSI Payment: Looking ahead, March 1, 2026, is also a Sunday. Consequently, the SSI payment for March is scheduled to arrive on Friday, February 27, 2026.

This “double payment” in February does not mean beneficiaries are receiving extra money; it simply reflects the accelerated delivery of the March benefit to ensure no lapse in funding over the weekend.

Social Security Retirement and SSDI Payment Dates

For those receiving Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability insurance (SSDI), the payment date is primarily determined by your day of birth. These payments follow the traditional Wednesday cycle, with the exception of specific groups paid earlier in the month.

Special Payment Group: February 3, 2026

Beneficiaries will receive their payments on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, if they meet any of the following criteria:

• They began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997.
• They receive both Social Security and SSI benefits (concurrent recipients).
• They live in a foreign country.
• Their Medicare premiums are paid by their state of residence.

Birthday-Based Wednesday Schedule

For all other beneficiaries who started receiving benefits after May 1997, the schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Benefits for those with birthdays falling between the 1st and 10th of their birth month.
• Wednesday, February 18, 2026: Benefits for those with birthdays falling between the 11th and 20th of their birth month.
• Wednesday, February 25, 2026: Benefits for those with birthdays falling between the 21st and 31st of their birth month.

Impact of the 2026 COLA on Monthly Benefits

All payments in February 2026 include the 2.8% COLA increase that went into effect at the start of the year. According to official SSA data, this adjustment has increased the average retired worker’s benefit to approximately $2,071 per month.

For SSI recipients, the maximum federal monthly payment is now $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples. Beneficiaries can verify their specific adjusted amount by logging into their My Social Security account to view their updated benefit statement.

What to Do If Your Payment Is Delayed

The SSA recommends allowing three additional mailing days before contacting the agency if a payment does not arrive on the scheduled date. Delays are rare with direct deposit, which is the required method for most federal benefits. If you still have not received your funds after this grace period, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local field office.

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Frequently Asked Questions