Understanding when Social Security benefits arrive each month is essential for financial planning. In February 2026, both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries follow specific payment schedules set by the Social Security Administration. These dates depend on benefit type and, for SSDI, the beneficiary’s birth date. This guide explains exactly when payments are sent and how the schedule works.
SSI Payment Date for February 2026
SSI payments are normally issued on the first day of the month. If the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is sent on the previous business day. Because February 1, 2026 falls on a Sunday, SSI recipients receive their February payment on Friday, January 30, 2026. There is no additional SSI payment later in February.
SSDI Payment Dates Based on Birth Date
SSDI and regular Social Security retirement benefits follow a staggered Wednesday schedule. The payment date depends on the beneficiary’s date of birth. This system spreads payments across the month to ensure smooth processing and deposit timing for millions of recipients.
February 2026 SSDI Payment Schedule
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 |
| 11th – 20th | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| 21st – 31st | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 |
| SSI Recipients | Friday, January 30, 2026 |
This table shows the official structure used to determine when benefits are paid in February 2026.
Who Follows a Different Payment Schedule
Some beneficiaries who started receiving Social Security before May 1997 follow a different schedule. These recipients are usually paid on the 3rd of each month regardless of birth date. If February 3 falls on a business day, those beneficiaries will receive payment on that date as usual.
Why Payment Dates Sometimes Appear Confusing
Calendar changes, weekends, and federal holidays often shift payment dates slightly earlier. This can cause confusion when recipients expect payments in February but receive them at the end of January. Knowing the SSA rules for adjusted dates prevents misunderstandings and helps beneficiaries plan their budgets accurately.
Conclusion
For February 2026, SSI payments arrive on January 30 due to the weekend adjustment, while SSDI payments follow the regular Wednesday schedule based on birth dates. Beneficiaries who began receiving benefits before May 1997 are paid on February 3. Checking your payment type and birth date makes it easy to confirm your exact deposit date.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Payment dates and schedules are subject to official Social Security Administration rules and may change based on calendar adjustments.