Social Security and SSI beneficiaries in February 2026 follow the standard monthly payment schedule, but February 15 falls on a Sunday, so no payments are issued on that exact date. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed the full deposit calendar for February, including early payments for SSI and the regular Wednesday cycle for retirement, survivors, and disability benefits. Early recipients—those in the special group or on SSI—often receive funds ahead of the main schedule. All February 2026 payments reflect the 2.8% COLA increase that began in January. This guide explains the confirmed February payment dates, who the early recipients are, the complete deposit calendar, and what beneficiaries can expect.
February 2026 Social Security & SSI Payment Calendar
The SSA pays benefits on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday for most recipients, or on the 3rd (or 1st for SSI) in special cases. Since February 1, 2026, is a Sunday, SSI payments move early.
- SSI payments for February 2026: Issued early on Friday, January 30, 2026 (because February 1 is a Sunday).
- Special group (early recipients) — Benefits started before May 1997, or those 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).
No payments are scheduled on Sunday, February 15. Direct deposit posts early in the morning on the scheduled date (or the prior business day if the date falls on a weekend/holiday).
Who Are the Early Recipients in February 2026?
Early recipients include:
- SSI beneficiaries — Receive February benefits on January 30, 2026 (early due to the weekend).
- Special group — People whose benefits began before May 1997, or who receive both Social Security and SSI, get paid on the 3rd of the month (February 3, 2026).
These groups are identified by SSA based on enrollment date or benefit type. Most other beneficiaries follow the Wednesday schedule tied to birth date.
2026 COLA Impact on February Payments
The 2.8% COLA increase applies to all February 2026 payments. Average monthly benefits after COLA:
- Retirement: approximately $2,074
- Disability: approximately $1,633
- SSI federal benefit rate (individual): $943
February deposits include this full adjustment—no separate increase is applied.
What to Expect & How to Check Your Payment
- Direct deposit posts reliably on the scheduled date (or prior business day).
- Allow 3 additional mailing days for paper checks (rare now).
- Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to confirm your payment date and amount.
- Check your bank or Direct Express card (for SSI) first—deposits often appear overnight.
- If delayed, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
For the full 2026 calendar and personalized dates, visit ssa.gov and view the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments 2026 (EN-05-10031).
FAQs – February 2026 Social Security & SSI Payments
- Are there Social Security payments 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? Early on Friday, January 30, 2026, because February 1 is a Sunday.
- Who are the early recipients in February 2026? SSI beneficiaries (January 30) and the special group (February 3) receive payments ahead of the main schedule.
- When does Social Security pay for birth dates 21st–31st in February? Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (fourth Wednesday).
- Does the 2026 COLA affect February payments? Yes—all February payments include the full 2.8% COLA increase.
Conclusion
The February 2026 Social Security and SSI schedule confirms early SSI on January 30, special group on February 3, and regular benefits on February 11, 18, and 25. No payments occur on Sunday, February 15. All deposits reflect the 2.8% COLA. Check your my Social Security account or ssa.gov for personalized dates and the full 2026 calendar. Direct deposits post reliably—plan your budget around these confirmed dates.