Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, is an important date on the Social Security calendar — but it is not a payday for everyone. In fact, millions of beneficiaries will not receive a payment on that date, a reality that often causes confusion among retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors who rely on monthly benefits.
The reason is straightforward. The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments using a staggered schedule, determined by the type of benefit a person receives, when they first began collecting benefits, and — for most recipients — their date of birth.
Understanding how that schedule works can help beneficiaries avoid unnecessary concern and plan monthly expenses more effectively.
Who Gets Paid on Feb. 11, 2026
Before looking at who will not receive a payment, it helps to understand who does qualify for the Feb. 11 deposit.
Only beneficiaries who meet all three of the following criteria will be paid on Wednesday, Feb. 11:
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Receive Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability (SSDI) benefits
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Were born between the 1st and the 10th of any month
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Began receiving benefits after May 1997
Anyone who does not meet every one of these conditions will receive their February payment on a different date.
The SSA routinely reminds beneficiaries that survivor benefits may be available to eligible family members following the death of a loved one, depending on age, relationship, and work history.
Who Will Not Receive a Social Security Payment on Feb. 11, 2026
1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients
People who receive Supplemental Security Income do not receive payments on Wednesdays.
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SSI payments are typically issued on the 1st of each month
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If the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are sent earlier
As a result, SSI-only recipients will not receive a payment on Feb. 11 because their February benefit is scheduled for a different date.
2. Beneficiaries Born Between the 11th and 20th
Social Security beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th are paid later in the month.
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Payment date: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026
This group includes retirees, survivors, and SSDI recipients who began collecting benefits after May 1997.
3. Beneficiaries Born Between the 21st and 31st
Those born between the 21st and 31st of any month receive their payments last.
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Payment date: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026
This is the final Social Security payment date for February and often catches beneficiaries off guard if they expect an earlier deposit.
4. People Who Started Social Security Before May 1997
Beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 follow a separate payment system.
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Payments are issued on the 3rd of each month
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Payment dates are not tied to birth dates
These beneficiaries already received their February payment on Feb. 3, 2026.
5. People Receiving Both SSI and Social Security
Some low-income seniors and people with disabilities receive both SSI and Social Security benefits.
Their payment schedule typically looks like this:
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SSI: Paid on the 1st
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Social Security: Paid on the 3rd
Because both payments arrive early in the month, no payment is scheduled for Feb. 11.
February 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule
| Benefit Type / Birth Date | February Payment Date |
|---|---|
| SSI recipients | Feb. 1 (or earlier if adjusted) |
| Social Security started before May 1997 | Feb. 3 |
| Born 1st–10th | Feb. 11 |
| Born 11th–20th | Feb. 18 |
| Born 21st–31st | Feb. 25 |
Why the SSA Uses a Staggered Payment System
The SSA sends monthly payments to more than 70 million Americans. To avoid processing delays and reduce strain on banks and payment systems, benefits are distributed across multiple dates.
This approach:
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Reduces banking congestion
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Improves reliability
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Helps ensure on-time delivery
While the system can be confusing — especially for new beneficiaries — it remains consistent from year to year.
What to Do If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive
If Feb. 11 is not your scheduled payment date, there is no cause for concern. Your benefit is simply assigned to a different week.
However, if your scheduled payment date has passed and no deposit has appeared, the SSA advises beneficiaries to:
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Wait three mailing days
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Check with their bank or financial institution
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Contact Social Security only if the payment is still missing
In most cases, payments arrive automatically and on time.
Bottom Line
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, is not a universal Social Security payday.
Only beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month receive a payment that day. Everyone else — including SSI recipients, long-time beneficiaries, and those with later birthdays — will be paid on different dates throughout February.
Knowing where you fall on the Social Security payment schedule can help you plan bills, manage cash flow, and budget with greater confidence each month.
