Millions of Americans received their Social Security payments on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, as part of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) regular monthly distribution schedule.
The February payment date applied to a specific group of retirement, disability, and survivor beneficiaries based on the agency’s long-standing birth-date system. If you were expecting a payment this week, here’s what you need to know.
Who Received a Payment on Feb. 11?
The Feb. 11 payment was sent to Social Security beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of any month.
This includes:
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Retirement benefit recipients
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries
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Survivor benefit recipients (widows, widowers, and eligible family members)
The SSA uses a staggered Wednesday schedule to distribute benefits throughout the month, helping manage the flow of payments to more than 70 million Americans.
February 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule
Here’s how the full February payment calendar breaks down:
| Birth Date | Payment Date | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| 1st–10th | Wednesday, Feb. 11 | Retirement, SSDI, Survivor benefits |
| 11th–20th | Wednesday, Feb. 18 | Retirement, SSDI, Survivor benefits |
| 21st–31st | Wednesday, Feb. 25 | Retirement, SSDI, Survivor benefits |
| Before May 1997 | Tuesday, Feb. 3 | Long-term beneficiaries |
| SSI Recipients | Friday, Jan. 30 | Supplemental Security Income |
Who Did NOT Get Paid on Feb. 11?
Not all Social Security beneficiaries receive payments on the same day.
SSI Recipients
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries received their February payment early — on Friday, Jan. 30 — because Feb. 1 fell on a Sunday. The SSA moves payments to the prior business day when the scheduled date lands on a weekend or federal holiday.
Pre-May 1997 Beneficiaries
Individuals who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 follow a separate schedule and were paid on Feb. 3.
Dual Beneficiaries
People receiving both SSI and Social Security typically receive SSI at the beginning of the month and Social Security on the 3rd.
How Much Are Benefits in 2026?
Payments in 2026 reflect a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that took effect in January.
Here’s a look at average monthly payments this year:
| Benefit Type | Average Monthly Payment (2026) |
|---|---|
| Retirement | $2,074 |
| SSDI | $1,633 |
| Survivor Benefits | $1,622 |
| SSI (Individual Max Federal) | $943 |
Actual benefit amounts vary depending on work history, earnings record, and eligibility factors.
How Are Payments Sent?
Most beneficiaries receive their money through:
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Direct Deposit into a bank account
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Direct Express debit card
Paper checks are now rare and are generally being phased out.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
If you expected a payment on Feb. 11 but did not receive it:
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Wait at least three mailing days.
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Check your bank account for pending deposits.
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Confirm your direct deposit information.
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Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
With more February payment dates still ahead (Feb. 18 and Feb. 25), millions more Americans will receive their monthly benefits in the coming weeks.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to monitor their SSA online accounts for updates and payment confirmations.
