Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security will see their February 2026 payment deposited on Wednesday, Feb. 11, according to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) monthly payment schedule.
The payment date applies to a specific group of beneficiaries, based primarily on date of birth and benefit type, as the SSA continues its staggered system designed to manage the flow of payments to more than 70 million recipients nationwide.
Understanding who qualifies — and who doesn’t — is essential for retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors who depend on Social Security income to cover everyday expenses.
Why Feb. 11 Matters
Social Security payments are not sent on the same day to everyone. Instead, most benefits are distributed on Wednesdays, spread across the month based on a recipient’s birth date.
The Feb. 11, 2026 payment represents the first Wednesday payment group for the month and includes beneficiaries whose birthdays fall early in the month.
Who Qualifies for the Feb. 11, 2026 Payment
You are scheduled to receive a Social Security payment on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, if all of the following apply:
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You receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivors benefits
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Your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month
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You are not receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) only
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You did not start receiving benefits before May 1997
This payment includes the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which was applied to benefits starting in January.
February 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule
| Birth Date | Payment Date | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| 1st–10th | Wednesday, Feb. 11 | Retirement, SSDI, survivors |
| 11th–20th | Wednesday, Feb. 18 | Retirement, SSDI, survivors |
| 21st–31st | Wednesday, Feb. 25 | Retirement, SSDI, survivors |
This schedule applies to most beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security after May 1997.
Who Does NOT Receive a Feb. 11 Payment
Some Social Security recipients will not receive a payment on Feb. 11 because they fall under different payment rules.
These groups are excluded from the Feb. 11 deposit:
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People receiving SSI only
SSI payments are issued on a separate schedule and are not tied to birth dates. -
Beneficiaries who started receiving Social Security before May 1997
These recipients are typically paid on the 3rd of each month. -
Recipients whose birthdays fall after the 10th
They will receive payments later in February.
Other Social Security Payments in February 2026
| Date | Payment Type | Who Gets Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 30, 2026 | SSI (February benefit) | SSI recipients (Feb. 1 falls on Sunday) |
| Feb. 3, 2026 | Social Security | Pre-May 1997 beneficiaries and people receiving both SSI and Social Security |
| Feb. 11, 2026 | Social Security | Birthdays 1st–10th |
| Feb. 18, 2026 | Social Security | Birthdays 11th–20th |
| Feb. 25, 2026 | Social Security | Birthdays 21st–31st |
What Types of Benefits Are Included on Feb. 11
The Feb. 11 payment may include:
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Retirement benefits (based on your work record)
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
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Survivors benefits (widows, widowers, and dependents)
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Spousal and dependent benefits, paid according to the primary beneficiary’s birth date
How Payments Are Delivered
Most beneficiaries receive their payments through:
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Direct deposit to a bank or credit union
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Direct Express® debit card
Paper checks are now rare and typically issued only in limited situations.
If your payment does not arrive on the expected date, the SSA advises waiting three business days before contacting the agency, as bank processing times can vary.
Why the SSA Uses a Staggered System
The staggered payment schedule helps the SSA:
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Manage the distribution of billions of dollars each month
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Reduce strain on banking systems
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Minimize processing delays and errors
With tens of millions of payments issued monthly, spreading deposits across multiple dates ensures smoother operations.
Bottom Line
If you receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivors benefits and your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th, your February 2026 payment is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Knowing your payment date can help with budgeting, bill payments, and financial planning, especially as inflation and living costs remain a concern for many households.
