The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has released the new Social Security Payment Schedule for 2026. This update is important for all beneficiaries receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), as it shows when payments will made throughout the year.
Beneficiaries can check their payment dates and stay updated on the major changes the government has made to Social Security and SSI benefits. Make sure to read this carefully so you don’t miss any important updates.
Social Security Payment Schedule 2026 & COLA Update
The payment schedule update for 2026 is out now. In 2026, Social Security payments will mostly sent based on your birth date. However, if you started receiving benefits before May 1997 or get both Social Security and SSI, your payments will come on fixed dates, SSI on the 1st and Social Security on the 3rd of each month.
If the payment date happens to fall on a weekend or holiday, it will sent a day earlier. The official update for the 2026 COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) is expected this Friday, but early reports suggest benefits could rise by about 2.7% to 2.8% depending on inflation.
The 2026 COLA, which raises Social Security benefits to match inflation, has been delayed by the government shutdown. Usually announced on October 15, it will now come out on October 24. Early estimates from The Senior Citizens’ League (TSCL) expect a 2.7% increase.
Social Security Payment Schedule List 2026
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially released the Payment Schedule for 2026. Beneficiaries can check their payment dates using the table below.
| Month | Payment Dates (Based on Birth Date) |
| January | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 14th11th–20th: Wednesday, 21st21st–31st: Wednesday, 28th |
| February | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 11th11th–20th: Wednesday, 18th21st–31st: Wednesday, 25th |
| March | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 11th11th–20th: Wednesday, 18th21st–31st: Wednesday, 25th |
| April | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 8th11th–20th: Wednesday, 15th21st–31st: Wednesday, 22nd |
| May | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 13th11th–20th: Wednesday, 20th21st–31st: Wednesday, 27th |
| June | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 10th11th–20th: Wednesday, 17th21st–31st: Wednesday, 24th |
| July | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 8th11th–20th: Wednesday, 15th21st–31st: Wednesday, 22nd |
| August | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 12th11th–20th: Wednesday, 19th21st–31st: Wednesday, 26th |
| September | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 9th11th–20th: Wednesday, 16th21st–31st: Wednesday, 23rd |
| October | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 14th11th–20th: Wednesday, 21st21st–31st: Wednesday, 28th |
| November | 1st–10th: Tuesday, 10th11th–20th: Wednesday, 18th21st–31st: Wednesday, 25th |
| December | 1st–10th: Wednesday, 9th11th–20th: Wednesday, 16th21st–31st: Wednesday, 23rd |
Process to Apply for Social Security Payment 2026
Applicants who satisfy the eligibility criteria for Social Security benefits and are planning to apply for the program can complete the registration process using the steps listed below simply follow each step carefully to ensure a smooth and successful application.
- First, visit the official website: https://www.ssa.gov.
- Click on the option “Apply for Social Security Benefits.”
- A new tab will open on your screen.
- Select the appropriate details as required.
- After that, click on the “Apply Online” option.
- On the next page, fill in all the required information carefully.
- Review the details and click on the “Submit” button to complete the process.
In case of any queries or assistance, individuals can contact the helpline at 1-800-772-1213.
How to Check Social Security Payment Status Online?
It is very simple to check the Social Security Payment Status Online through the official website. For that beneficiaries need to follow the steps listed below:-
- Visit the official Social Security Payments website by entering the URL: https://www.ssa.gov.
- Click on the “Status Check” option.
- Sign in to your account using your login credentials.
- Enter the required details and click on the “Check Status” button.
- The payment status will appear on your screen.
How to Create my Social Security Account & Why it is Important?
Individuals can create their my Social Security account online through its official website applying few simple steps explained below:-
- Go to the official U.S. Social Security website.
- Click on “Sign in or Create an Account.”
- A new window will open click on “Create an Account.”
- Fill in the required details carefully.
- Click “Submit” to complete the process. Your account will be created successfully.
Changes Coming to Social Security in 2026
In 2026, a few changes are coming to Social Security. The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is expected to be small, so benefits may go up only a little. The full retirement age will increase, meaning people will have to wait longer to get full benefits.
The Social Security tax limit will change, affecting how much of your income is taxed. If you are still working while collecting benefits, you can earn more without reducing your payments thanks to the earnings test. You can also keep earning Social Security credits toward future benefits.
