When do the next Social Security payments go out? These beneficiaries are first in line
In the U.S., the Social Security Administration (SSA) is about to embark on March 2026’s three-Wednesdays benefits payment cycle.
The U.S.’s Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing to kick off this month’s three-Wednesdays payment cycle, with millions of Social Security recipients nationwide set to get their March 2026 benefits next week.
When is the next Social Security payment? Who gets it?
On Wednesday, Mar. 11, Social Security benefits are to be issued to recipients born between the first and 10th of any month. (NB: If you claim benefits based on someone else’s work record, that person’s birthday is used.)
How does the three-Wednesdays payment cycle work?
Of the 70 million people who receive Social Security benefits in the U.S. - be it retirement, disability, or survivor pay - most get their money on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month. A recipient’s allocated Wednesday depends on the date of birth of the worker whose Social Security taxes have earned their benefits entitlement.
March 2026’s three-Wednesdays payment cycle:
- 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
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
Who are the exceptions to this Social Security payment system?
Two groups of Social Security beneficiaries are paid outside the SSA’s three-Wednesdays cycle:
- Recipients who began claiming before May 1997
- Recipients who combine Social Security with Supplemental Security Income (a separate SSA benefit for certain low-income Americans)
Both sets of beneficiaries were scheduled to be paid March’s Social Security benefits on Tuesday, Mar. 3.
You can find out more about March’s payment schedule, for both Social Security benefits and Supplement Security Income, in this explainer.
How much are monthly Social Security benefits on average?
- Retired workers: $2,074.53
- Disabled workers: $1,633.48
- Survivors: $1,622.32
Social Security benefits - the payment methods:
- Benefits can be paid into a recipient’s bank account by direct deposit
- Money can be loaded onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal payments
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