Millions of Americans are receiving their monthly federal benefits today as the Social Security Administration (SSA) continues its February 2026 payment cycle.
The agency distributes retirement, disability and survivor benefits in staggered waves throughout the month. Today’s payment — Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 — represents the third major Social Security payout of February and covers beneficiaries assigned to the mid-month group.
Here’s a full breakdown of who qualifies for today’s deposit — and who does not.
Who Gets Paid Today, Feb. 18
You are scheduled to receive a payment today if:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth date | Between the 11th and 20th of any month |
| Benefits began | After May 1997 |
| Benefit type | Retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits |
| Payment method | Direct deposit or Direct Express card |
Most beneficiaries in this group see funds appear in their bank account early Wednesday morning, although posting times vary by financial institution.
Who Does NOT Receive a Payment Today
Several groups have already been paid this month — or will be paid later.
| Group | February Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Benefits started before May 1997 | Feb. 3 |
| Receive Social Security + Supplemental Security Income | Feb. 3 |
| Birthdays 1st–10th | Feb. 11 |
| Birthdays 21st–31st | Feb. 25 |
| SSI-only recipients | Jan. 30 (paid early) |
Why SSI Payments Arrived in January
SSI is normally paid on the first of each month. However, because Feb. 1 fell on a Sunday, the SSA moved the February SSI payment to Friday, Jan. 30.
This adjustment follows standard federal policy: when a payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, benefits are issued on the previous business day.
The next SSI payment (for March benefits) is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2026.
How the Monthly Payment System Works
Social Security payments are divided into four groups each month:
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First week (Feb. 3) – Long-term recipients and dual beneficiaries
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Second week (Feb. 11) – Birthdays 1st–10th
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Third week (Feb. 18) – Birthdays 11th–20th
-
Fourth week (Feb. 25) – Birthdays 21st–31st
This staggered approach helps ensure smooth nationwide processing of tens of millions of monthly payments.
How Much Beneficiaries Receive in 2026
Monthly payments vary significantly based on earnings history and retirement age.
| Category | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Average retirement benefit | About $2,071 |
| Maximum at age 62 | $2,969 |
| Maximum at full retirement age | $4,152 |
| Maximum at age 70 | $5,181 |
Only workers who consistently earned at or near the taxable wage cap for decades qualify for the highest payments.
What to Do If Your Payment Hasn’t Arrived
If you expected a deposit today but do not see it:
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Check your bank account again later in the day
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Wait three business days
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Then contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213
Most payment issues are due to bank processing delays rather than missing benefits.
Next Social Security Payment Date
The final February payment will be sent:
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026
(for beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st)
Understanding the official Social Security payment calendar allows retirees and disabled Americans to better plan bills, avoid overdraft fees and manage household budgets with greater confidence throughout the month.
