Social Security payments are a primary source of income for millions of Americans. To ensure timely distribution, the Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a structured monthly payment schedule based largely on beneficiaries’ dates of birth and the type of benefit they receive.
This week marks a new round of February 2026 payments. Here is what beneficiaries need to know about who is scheduled to receive their deposit and how much they can expect on average.
Amounts
Social Security benefits in 2026 reflect a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). While individual payments vary depending on earnings history and benefit type, the updated average monthly payments are as follows:
| Beneficiary Type | Average Monthly Payment (2026) |
|---|---|
| Retired Workers | $2,074.53 |
| Disability (SSDI) | $1,633.48 |
| Survivors | $1,622.33 |
These figures are averages. Actual benefit amounts depend on lifetime earnings, claiming age, and other eligibility factors.
February 11 Payment
The next Social Security payment is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026. This deposit applies to a specific group of beneficiaries.
You will receive your payment on this date if you meet the following criteria:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | Born between the 1st and 10th of any month |
| Benefit Type | Retirement, SSDI, or Survivor benefits |
| Start Date | Began receiving benefits after May 1997 |
If all three conditions apply, your February deposit is expected to arrive this week, either by direct deposit or mailed check, depending on your selected payment method.
Remaining Schedule
If your birthday falls outside the first ten days of the month, your February 2026 payment will be issued later in the month according to the SSA’s standard Wednesday schedule:
| Payment Date | Birth Date Range |
|---|---|
| February 18, 2026 | 11th to 20th |
| February 25, 2026 | 21st to 31st |
Payments are generally made on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month for beneficiaries who started receiving benefits after May 1997.
Special Cases
Certain groups follow a different payment schedule.
SSI Beneficiaries
Supplemental Security Income recipients do not receive payments under the Wednesday birth-date system. SSI payments are typically issued on the first of the month.
In February 2026, however, February 1 fell on a Sunday. As a result, SSI payments were issued early, on January 30, 2026.
Pre-May 1997 Beneficiaries
Individuals who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 are also paid on a separate schedule. This group typically receives payments on the third of each month, regardless of birth date.
For February 2026, their payment was issued on February 3.
What to Expect
Most beneficiaries receive payments via direct deposit, which ensures faster and more secure delivery. Those receiving paper checks may experience slight mailing delays depending on local postal services.
If a payment does not arrive on the expected date, the SSA advises waiting at least three business days before contacting the agency.
Knowing the payment schedule can help beneficiaries plan monthly expenses more effectively. With February’s distribution underway, those born between the 1st and 10th who began benefits after May 1997 should expect their deposit this week.
FAQs
Who gets paid on February 11, 2026?
Those born 1st–10th after May 1997.
What is the 2026 COLA increase?
A 2.8 percent adjustment.
When was SSI paid in February 2026?
January 30, 2026.
When are pre-1997 beneficiaries paid?
On the 3rd of each month.
