The Social Security Administration is due to send out May 2026’s latest monthly payments to certain recipients in the U.S.
Social Security is paid out on Wednesday, May 13: who receives benefits today?
Across the U.S., millions of Social Security recipients are today due to pick up their latest monthly benefits, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) begins May’s three-Wednesdays payment cycle.
Who gets Social Security today, May 13, 2026?
The SSA is to pay 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 work history, the agency uses the other person’s birthday.)
Of the just over 71 million people who get Social Security in the U.S. - be it retirement, disability or survivor pay - many are issued their benefits on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month. A recipient’s designated Wednesday depends on the date of birth of the worker whose employment record has earned the benefits entitlement.
In May, 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 witnesses lengthier waits for benefits in January and October.
How much are monthly Social Security benefits?
- Retired workers: $2,081.16
- Disabled workers: $1,634.70
- Survivor benefits: $1,625.56
(Average benefit, per SSA stats.)
Who isn’t paid on the second, third or fourth Wednesday?
- Some long-term recipients: May 1
Social Security beneficiaries who signed up before May 1997 are typically paid on the third of each month, regardless of their date of birth. But because May 3 was a Sunday, these recipients were instead issued this month’s benefits 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 who claim both Social Security and SSI normally receive the former on the third, with the latter paid out on the first.
However, as May 3 was a weekend day, Social Security and SSI each went out on Friday 1.
How does Social Security pay out benefits?
- Direct deposit
Social Security recipients can update their bank-account information using the SSA’s online my Social Security tool.
- Direct Express
Money can be paid onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal disbursements. You can sign up for Direct Express at 1-800-333-1795 or 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment