Social Security is being paid out on Wednesday, May 27: Who gets benefits today?

Across the United States, millions of Social Security recipients are to get their latest monthly benefits today, in the final payment run on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) distribution schedule for May 2026.

Who’s receiving Social Security today, Wednesday, May 27?

Of the 71 million people who receive Social Security in the U.S., many are paid on one of three Wednesdays each month, depending on their date of birth. Today sees the SSA issue benefits to recipients born between the 21st and the 31st of any month.

May 2026’s full three-Wednesdays schedule is:

• Born on 1st-10th of any month: Wednesday, May 13
• Born on 11th-20th of any month: Wednesday, May 20
• Born on 21st-31st of any month: Wednesday, May 27

NB: If you claim Social Security benefits based on someone else’s employment history, the SSA uses the other person’s birthday.

What other Social Security payment runs were there in May?

• May 1: Certain long-term beneficiaries

Social Security beneficiaries who began claiming before May 1997 are usually paid on the third of each month, no matter their date of birth. However, as May 3 was a Sunday, these recipients got their benefits on Friday, May 1.

• May 1: Double recipients (Social Security + SSI)

Social Security can be combined with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a benefit for certain low-income individuals. Dual recipients typically get SSI on the first of the month, followed by Social Security on the third. But because May 3 was a non-business day, both benefits were issued on Friday 1.

How much is paid to Social Security beneficiaries?

• Retirement benefits: $2,026.41/month
• Disability benefits: $1,493.20/month
• Survivor benefits: $1,625.56/month

(Average Social Security benefit, according to figures shared by the SSA.)

How does Social Security pay out benefits?

• Direct deposit

Social Security beneficiaries can update their bank details using the SSA’s online my Social Security portal.

• Direct Express

Money can be loaded onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for receiving federal payments. Sign up for Direct Express at 1-800-333-1795 or 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office.

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