Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries rely on predictable monthly payments to cover essentials, and knowing the exact deposit dates each month is crucial for budgeting. The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a fixed schedule based on birth date for most retirement, survivors, and disability benefits, while SSI and certain combined cases have separate rules. February 2026 has no payments scheduled on the 15th (a Sunday), but the full calendar includes early SSI disbursement and the usual Wednesday cycle for most recipients. All February 2026 payments reflect the 2.8% COLA increase that began in January 2026. This confirmed schedule outlines every payment date for the month, explains the rules, and covers what beneficiaries can expect.
Official February 2026 Social Security & SSI Payment Calendar
The SSA pays benefits on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month for most recipients, or on the 3rd (or 1st for SSI) in special cases. Since February 1, 2026, is a Sunday, early SSI payments move to the preceding business day.
- SSI payments for February 2026: Issued early on Friday, January 30, 2026 (because February 1 falls on a Sunday).
- Special group payments (benefits started before May 1997, or receiving both Social Security and SSI): Paid on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (the 3rd of the month).
- Retirement, survivors, and disability benefits (birth dates 1st–10th): Paid on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (second Wednesday).
- Retirement, survivors, and disability benefits (birth dates 11th–20th): Paid on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (third Wednesday).
- Retirement, survivors, and disability benefits (birth dates 21st–31st): Paid on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (fourth Wednesday).
Direct deposit payments typically post early in the morning on the scheduled date (or the previous business day if the scheduled date is a weekend or holiday). If your payment day falls on a non-business day, SSA moves it to the prior business day.
2026 COLA Impact on February Payments
The 2.8% COLA increase applies to all Social Security and SSI payments starting in January 2026 and continues through the year. February 2026 payments include the full COLA adjustment. Average monthly benefits reflect this increase:
- Average retirement benefit: approximately $2,074
- Average disability benefit: approximately $1,633
- SSI federal benefit rate (individual): $943
February payments will show this higher amount, with no separate adjustment needed.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Missing or Delayed
- Allow 3 additional mailing days after the scheduled date before contacting SSA.
- Check your bank account or Direct Express card (for SSI) first—direct deposits often post overnight.
- Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to verify payment status and history.
- Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if needed.
- If delayed beyond expectations, contact SSA directly—most issues resolve quickly once verified.
FAQs – February 2026 Social Security and SSI Payment Dates
- Is there a Social Security payment on February 15, 2026? No—February 15 is a Sunday, so no payments are scheduled that day.
- When do SSI payments for February 2026 go out? SSI for February is paid early on Friday, January 30, 2026, because February 1 is a Sunday.
- What date does Social Security pay for birth dates 1st–10th in February 2026? Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (second Wednesday of the month).
- When are Social Security payments made for birth dates 21st–31st in February 2026? Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (fourth Wednesday).
- Does the 2026 COLA affect February payments? Yes—all February payments include the full 2.8% COLA increase that began in January 2026.
Conclusion
The February 2026 Social Security and SSI payment schedule follows the standard pattern: early SSI on January 30, special group on February 3, and regular benefits on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays (February 11, 18, and 25). All payments reflect the 2.8% COLA increase, with no payments scheduled on Sunday, February 15. Log into your my Social Security account or check ssa.gov for personalized details and the full 2026 calendar. Direct deposits post reliably on these dates—plan accordingly and contact SSA if anything seems off.