Next week, the U.S.’s Social Security Administration is to send out May 2026’s latest round of benefits payments.
Social Security is paid out on Wednesday, May 13: who benefits?
Across the U.S., certain Social Security recipients are to get their latest benefits next week, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) kicks off its three-Wednesdays payment cycle for May 2026.
Who’s receiving Social Security on Wednesday, May 13?
The SSA is to send out Social Security benefits to recipients born on the first to the 10th of any month. (NB: If you claim Social Security based on someone else’s employment history, the agency uses the other person’s birthday.)
Of the just over 71 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits - whether retirement, disability or survivor pay - most get their money on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month.
In May 2026, this birthday-dependent payment timeline 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
As May began on a Friday, this month’s three-Wednesdays cycle kicks in at the second-latest point possible. This year’s Social Security schedule only brings longer waits for benefits in January and October - months whose second Wednesday falls on the 14th.
How much money do Social Security beneficiaries get?
- Retired workers: $2,081.16
- Disabled workers: $1,634.70
- Survivor benefits: $1,625.56
(Average monthly benefit, per SSA stats.)
Who doesn’t get Social Security on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in May?
- Certain long-term recipients: May 1
Social Security recipients who began claiming before May 1997 are typically paid on the third day in each month. However, as May 2026 began on a Sunday, they received this month’s Social Security on the nearest working day before then: Friday, May 1.
- Double recipients (Social Security + SSI): May 1
Social Security can be combined with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate scheme for certain low-income, low-resource Americans. Beneficiaries of both programs normally get Social Security on the third, with SSI paid out on the first.
Because May 3 fell on a non-business day, however, these twin recipients were issued both of this month’s benefits payments on Friday 1.
How does Social Security pay out monthly benefits?
- Direct deposit
Social Security recipients can update their banking information using the SSA’s online my Social Security tool.
- Direct Express
Benefits can be paid onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal disbursements. Sign up at 1-800-333-1795 or 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office.
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