Millions of Americans are set to receive their next Social Security payment on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. But not everyone will see a deposit on that date.
The payment schedule depends on when you were born and the type of benefits you receive, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Here’s a breakdown of who gets paid — and why.
Who Will Receive a Payment on Feb. 25?
Wednesday, Feb. 25, is the fourth Wednesday of the month. Under the SSA’s staggered payment system, retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits are issued based on a beneficiary’s birth date.
If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any month, your February benefit will be deposited on Feb. 25.
This applies to:
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Retired workers
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients
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Survivor benefit recipients
Most payments are sent via direct deposit, though some beneficiaries may receive funds through a Direct Express debit card.
Who Was Paid Earlier This Month?
If you did not receive a payment on Feb. 25, it may be because your deposit already arrived earlier in February.
The February 2026 schedule is as follows:
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Feb. 3 – Beneficiaries who began receiving benefits before May 1997, and those who receive both Social Security and SSI
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Feb. 11 – Birthdays between the 1st and 10th
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Feb. 18 – Birthdays between the 11th and 20th
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Feb. 25 – Birthdays between the 21st and 31st
The SSA uses this system to distribute payments evenly throughout the month and reduce administrative strain.
What About SSI Payments?
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follow a different schedule.
SSI is typically paid on the first of the month. However, because March 1, 2026, falls on a Sunday, the March SSI payment will be issued early — on Friday, Feb. 27.
That means:
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SSI recipients will not receive a payment on Feb. 25
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There will be no SSI payment in March, since it arrives at the end of February
How Much Are Payments in 2026?
The average Social Security retirement benefit in 2026 is approximately $2,071 per month. However, actual amounts vary depending on:
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Lifetime earnings
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Years worked
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Claiming age
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Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA)
Some retirees receive less than $1,500 per month, while high earners who delayed claiming until age 70 may receive more than $4,800 per month.
What To Do If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive
If you expect a payment on Feb. 25 and do not see it:
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Allow at least three business days for processing.
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Check your bank account or Direct Express card.
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Log into your “my Social Security” account.
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Contact the SSA if the payment remains missing after three mailing days.
Most payments are delivered electronically and arrive on time.
The Bottom Line
Social Security payments are not issued on the same day for everyone. On Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, only beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st will receive their scheduled payment.
Understanding the monthly schedule can help retirees and disability recipients plan their finances and avoid unnecessary concern if funds do not arrive on a different Wednesday.
