Millions of Americans relying on Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits are receiving their next monthly payment this week, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) continues its February 2026 distribution schedule.
The next major payment date falls on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, marking the first standard Wednesday payment of the month for beneficiaries paid based on their date of birth. The payments reflect 2026 benefit levels, including the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that took effect with January payments.
Below is a detailed breakdown of who qualifies, why this date matters, and how February’s full payment calendar works.
Who Gets Paid on Wednesday, Feb. 11?
The Feb. 11 payment is for Social Security beneficiaries whose birth date falls between the 1st and the 10th of any month, provided they did not begin receiving benefits before May 1997.
Eligible benefit types include:
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Retired workers
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients
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Survivor benefit recipients
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Spouses and dependents receiving benefits based on an eligible worker’s record
The SSA uses the primary beneficiary’s birthday, not the spouse’s or dependent’s, to determine the payment date.
February 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule
Social Security benefits are generally paid on Wednesdays, with the exact date determined by the recipient’s birth date. Some groups, however, follow special rules, including SSI recipients and long-term beneficiaries.
📅 Full SSA Payment Calendar — February 2026
| Payment Date | Who Is Paid | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan. 30, 2026 | SSI recipients (February benefit) | Paid early because Feb. 1 falls on a Sunday |
| Tue, Feb. 3, 2026 | Beneficiaries who began receiving SSA before May 1997 and some dual SSI/SSA recipients | Paid on a fixed monthly schedule |
| Wed, Feb. 11, 2026 | Birthdays 1st–10th | Retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits |
| Wed, Feb. 18, 2026 | Birthdays 11th–20th | Retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits |
| Wed, Feb. 25, 2026 | Birthdays 21st–31st | Retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits |
| Fri, Feb. 27, 2026 | SSI recipients (March benefit) | Paid early because March 1 is a Sunday |
Why Social Security Uses Birth Dates
Since 1997, the SSA has staggered payments by date of birth to manage the distribution of benefits to more than 70 million Americans each month.
How the system works:
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1st–10th birthday: Second Wednesday of the month
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11th–20th birthday: Third Wednesday
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21st–31st birthday: Fourth Wednesday
This system applies to:
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Retirement benefits
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SSDI
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Survivor benefits
It does not apply to:
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Beneficiaries who started receiving payments before May 1997
SSI Payments: Why Some Checks Arrived Early
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follows a different calendar because it is a needs-based program, not funded by Social Security payroll taxes.
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SSI is usually paid on the 1st of each month
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When the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are sent on the previous business day
That’s why:
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February SSI payments arrived on Jan. 30
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March SSI payments will arrive on Feb. 27
This can create the appearance of “extra” checks in some months, but it is not an additional payment.
How Much Are Payments in 2026?
All February payments include the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which increased benefits beginning in January.
Average monthly benefits in 2026:
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Retired worker: about $1,980
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Married couple (both receiving benefits): about $3,050
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Disabled worker (SSDI): about $1,620
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Maximum retirement benefit (at full retirement age): over $3,800
Actual payment amounts vary based on:
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Lifetime earnings
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Age at claiming
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Work history
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Household benefit status
How Payments Are Delivered
Most beneficiaries receive payments via:
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Direct deposit
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Direct Express debit card
Paper checks are now rare and generally issued only in limited circumstances.
Some banks and credit unions post deposits one day early, but the SSA considers the official payment date to be the Wednesday listed on its calendar.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Missing
If your Feb. 11 payment does not arrive:
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Check your bank or card account first
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Allow three business days after the scheduled date
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Contact the SSA if the payment still has not posted
SSA Contact:
📞 1-800-772-1213
🕘 Monday–Friday, during business hours
Bottom Line
The Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, Social Security payment marks an important deposit date for millions of Americans born in the first third of the month. With COLA-adjusted benefits, a clearly defined schedule, and early SSI payments already delivered, February is a month with multiple payment events—making it especially important for beneficiaries to understand which program they receive and when.
