What to know about February 2026 Social Security, SSI payments. See schedule, what's changing

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With February’s payment cycle in full swing, Wednesday, Feb. 11 marks the next major Social Security deposit date for millions of retirees and disability beneficiaries. That’s when recipients born between the 1st and 10th of the month, who began receiving benefits after May 1997, are scheduled to see their checks land.

The February calendar also comes with a familiar wrinkle for Supplemental Security Income recipients, whose payments were shifted earlier because the month began on a weekend — setting up another early deposit before February ends. Below is a breakdown of who gets paid when this month, along with what’s changed for 2026, from the cost-of-living increase to why some checks may look smaller than expected.

Read more: Is there a $2,000 stimulus check coming in 2026? Here’s when Trump said you’ll get one

When will I get my February Social Security payment?

The Social Security Administration pays most retirement and disability benefits on Wednesdays, based on your birthday — unless you fall into the group that gets paid at the start of the month.

If you started receiving benefits before May 1997 — or you receive both Social Security and SSI:

• Tuesday, Feb. 3

If you started receiving benefits after May 1997:

• Wednesday, Feb. 11 — birthdays between the 1st and 10th

• Wednesday, Feb. 18 — birthdays between the 11th and 20th

• Wednesday, Feb. 25 — birthdays between the 21st and the end of the month

Read more: For less than $5, you could win 100 acres of Texas oil rights

When will I get my February SSI payment? (And why it came “early”)

SSI checks don’t go out on weekends or federal holidays. Since Feb. 1, 2026 fell on a Sunday, the SSA moved February’s SSI payment up to the prior business day.

• Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 — SSI payment for February 2026

And there’s another scheduling quirk coming right behind it: March 1 is also a Sunday, so March’s SSI payment will arrive before February ends.

• Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 — SSI payment for March 2026

If your SSI deposit didn’t show up on the expected date, the SSA generally advises allowing a few additional mailing days before contacting the agency. Most payments arrive quickly because the vast majority of recipients are paid electronically.

2026 COLA: Social Security and SSI checks are higher this year

Social Security benefits and SSI payments rose in 2026 thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment.

• 2026 COLA: 2.8% (up from 2.5% in 2025)

• The average retiree’s monthly check increased by about $56 in 2026

COLA is set each year using inflation data from the third quarter (July–September), based on the Consumer Price Index.

Will Social Security be taxed in 2026?

Some people pay federal income taxes on a portion of their Social Security benefits, depending on their combined income (generally: adjusted gross income + tax-exempt interest + half of your Social Security).

A common rule of thumb used by the SSA:

• Under $25,000 ($32,000 married filing jointly): typically no tax

• $25,000–$34,000 ($32,000–$44,000 joint): up to 50% of benefits may be taxable

• Over $34,000 ($44,000 joint): up to 85% of benefits may be taxable

Recent changes in federal tax law (including a larger standard deduction and a senior-specific deduction) can lower taxable income for some filers, which may reduce how much of their Social Security ends up subject to tax.

Why is my Social Security check smaller this month?

If your deposit looks unexpectedly low, one possible reason is overpayment recovery.

The SSA has been withholding up to 50% of monthly benefits from some recipients who have outstanding overpayments and haven’t set up a repayment plan. The agency began rolling out that withholding in late July 2025, generally after sending overpayment notices and allowing time to respond.

If you got an overpayment notice, you may have options, including:

• Setting up a repayment plan (online bill pay, card, or check)

• Requesting a waiver if you weren’t at fault and can’t afford repayment, or if repayment would be unfair

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a separate program from Social Security retirement benefits. It provides monthly payments to people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability and who have limited income and resources. Children with qualifying disabilities can also be eligible.

Need a replacement Social Security card? Here are the main options

Online: Often the easiest route if you’re a U.S. citizen 18+ with a U.S. mailing address, a qualifying ID, and a “my Social Security” account — and you don’t need to change your name or other info.

In person: Apply at a local SSA office (you may be able to start the form online first).

By mail: Send the application and required original/certified documents.

What is full retirement age in 2026?

Full retirement age depends on your birth year. In general:

• Many people born 1943–1954: 66

• It increases gradually for later birth years

• People born 1960 or later: 67

You can claim as early as 62 (with a reduced benefit), or delay up to 70 (for a larger monthly payment).

What’s the maximum Social Security benefit in 2026?

The maximum benefit depends on lifetime earnings and the age you claim. For people retiring at full retirement age, the published maximum increased in 2026 alongside inflation-related adjustments, reaching $5,251 per month (over $63,000 per year).