Social Security is sending out benefits today, Mar. 3: who gets paid?
The SSA is today due to make the latest monthly payments to two particular groups of Social Security beneficiaries.
Certain recipients of Social Security benefits are today set to receive their latest monthly payment, on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) first distribution date in March 2026.
The SSA is due to send out money to two groups of Americans who claim retirement benefits, survivor pay or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Who’s getting a Social Security payment today, Mar. 3?
- Some long-term Social Security recipients
Today, March’s benefits are to be issued to some long-standing recipients of retirement, SSDI or survivor pay: specifically, those who signed up to any of these programs before May 1997.
- Social Security beneficiaries who also claim SSI
Mar. 3 is also the SSA’s distribution date for retirement, SSDI or survivor benefits paid to any Americans who combine one of these programs with Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
A scheme for low-income, low-resource individuals who are over 65 or have a disability, SSI differs from retirement, SSDI and survivor benefits as it is a purely needs-based program. It does not depend on prior payment of Social Security taxes.
SSI benefits - which average $737.00 per person per month - were due to be paid out for March slightly ahead of schedule, on Friday, Feb. 27.
Stay ahead in 2026! 📅✨ Download the Social Security Benefit Payment Schedule and plan your finances with confidence: https://t.co/a0gfYw3ION pic.twitter.com/VYsqI017Mz
— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) February 17, 2026
How much is paid to retirement, SSDI and survivor beneficiaries?
Per the latest figures shared by the SSA, the average monthly amounts for Social Security benefits are:
- Retired workers: $2,074.53
- Disabled workers: $1,633.48
- Survivors: $1,622.32
When are other Social Security beneficiaries paid for March 2026?
Of the just over 70 million recipients of retirement, SSDI or survivor benefits, most will get their March payment on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in the month.
A beneficiary’s designated Wednesday is determined by the date of birth of the worker whose Social Security taxes have accumulated the benefits entitlement:
- Born on 1st-10th of any month: Weds., Mar. 11
- Born on 11th-20th of any month: Weds., Mar. 18
- Born on 21st-31st of any month: Weds., Mar. 25
To learn more about the SSA’s benefits schedule for March, check out this explainer. You’ll find the agency’s complete payment timeline for 2026 in this online SSA calendar.
How does Social Security send out benefits payments?
The SSA, which says it “in most cases” no longer issues paper checks, provides beneficiaries with two ways of picking up payments electronically:
- Direct deposit
By providing the SSA with their bank details, beneficiaries can receive their money by direct deposit. Recipients of retirement, SSDI and survivor pay can update this information using the “my Social Security” online portal.
- Direct Express Card
Beneficiaries can also have their payments loaded onto the Direct Express Card, a debit card for federal disbursements made to people who do not have a bank account. You can sign up by calling 1-800-333-1795 or by visiting the Direct Express website.
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