Payment Dates
Social Security and SSI Payment Dates for 2026 and 2027
By the ForLowerBills Editorial Team · Reviewed by the ForLowerBills Editorial Team against official sources · Last updated: November 1, 2026 · Sources checked: November 1, 2026 · How we research
Your Social Security payment day depends on your birth date and when you started benefits. SSI follows its own rule: the 1st of the month, or earlier when the 1st is a weekend or holiday. Below are the dates for the rest of 2026 and all of 2027, taken from Social Security Administration (SSA) schedules.
Payment Dates for the 3rd of the Month Group
This is for people who started benefits before May 1997 or who get both Social Security and SSI.
| Month | Payment date | Why |
|---|---|---|
| November 2026 | Tue, Nov 3, 2026 | Normal |
| December 2026 | Thu, Dec 3, 2026 | Normal |
| January 2027 | Thu, Dec 31, 2026 | Jan 1 holiday and Jan 3 Sunday, paid early |
SSI Payment Dates
SSI is paid on the 1st of the month it covers. When the 1st is a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday, SSA pays on the business day before (SSA Handbook 121.5 (opens in a new tab)).
| SSI for | Payment date | Why |
|---|---|---|
| November 2026 | Fri, Oct 30, 2026 | Paid early (the 1st is a weekend or holiday) |
| December 2026 | Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | Normal |
| January 2027 | Thu, Dec 31, 2026 | Paid early (the 1st is a weekend or holiday) |
Months With Two SSI Payments or None
An early payment lands in the month before, so one month gets two deposits and the next gets none. It is not extra money.
- November 2026: none. November SSI came Fri, Oct. 30, 2026.
- December 2026: two. Dec. 1 (December SSI) and Dec. 31 (January 2027 SSI).
- January 2027: none.
- April 2027: two. Apr. 1 and Apr. 30 (May SSI). May 2027: none.
- July 2027: two. Jul. 1 and Jul. 30 (August SSI). August 2027: none.
- December 2027: two. Dec. 1 and Dec. 30 (January 2028 SSI, because Dec. 31, 2027 is the observed New Year holiday).
If Your Payment Is Late
SSA asks you to allow three additional mailing days after the expected date before contacting it (per the SSA payment calendar). With direct deposit, check with your bank first, then sign in to my Social Security (opens in a new tab).
Ways to stretch each payment
Social Security deposits arrive once a month, so the bills that hit in between matter most. Start with these:
- Lower your internet bill: Ask about affordable plans and drop fees you do not need. See all tips
- Lower your heating bill: Cheap fixes and assistance programs before winter bills land. See all tips
- Lower your water bill: Find leaks and ask your utility about assistance. See all tips
Independent site, not a government agency
ForLowerBills.com is an independent, free resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Dates come from SSA rules and calendars and can change. Confirm your own dates at ssa.gov or in your my Social Security account.
Frequently asked questions
When will I get my Social Security payment?
It depends on your birth date. Born the 1st to 10th: second Wednesday. 11th to 20th: third Wednesday. 21st to 31st: fourth Wednesday. If you started before May 1997 or also get SSI, you are paid on the 3rd.
Why is my November 2026 payment on a Tuesday?
If you are paid the second Wednesday, that is Nov. 11, 2026, Veterans Day. SSA pays the day before a holiday, so it comes Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Is there an SSI payment in November 2026?
No. November 2026 SSI was paid early on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, because Nov. 1 was a Sunday. December 2026 has two SSI payments: Dec. 1 and Dec. 31.
How much is the 2027 Social Security COLA?
SSA announced a 3.6% COLA for 2027 on Oct. 14, 2026. It begins with January 2027 Social Security benefits. Increased SSI payments begin Dec. 31, 2026.
Can I change my Social Security payment date?
Usually no. SSA says your date is set by the rules above. People paid on the 3rd may be able to switch to the birth-date schedule, and that change is permanent.
Official sources
- SSA: Schedule of Social Security Payments (opens in a new tab)
- SSA: 2026 payment calendar (Pub. 05-10031) (opens in a new tab)
- SSA: 2027 payment calendar (Pub. 05-10031) (opens in a new tab)
- SSA Handbook section 121: payment days (opens in a new tab)
- SSA FAQ: Can I change the date I receive my benefits? (opens in a new tab)
- SSA press release, Oct. 14, 2026: 3.6% COLA for 2027 (opens in a new tab)
- OPM: Federal Holidays 2026 and 2027 (opens in a new tab)
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Social Security Wednesday Payment Dates
These follow the published SSA calendars for 2026 (opens in a new tab) and 2027 (opens in a new tab). Note November 2026: the second Wednesday is Nov. 11, Veterans Day, so that payment comes Tuesday, Nov. 10.