Waiting for your Social Security payment to hit your bank account can be stressful, especially when you're counting on that money for rent, groceries, or medication. Whether you receive SSI, SSDI, or retirement benefits, the Social Security Administration follows a specific payment schedule — and knowing when your check is coming can help you plan ahead.
In this article, we'll cover:
- The 2026 SSI payment schedule and when SSI checks are deposited
- The 2026 SSDI and Social Security payment schedule based on your birth date
- Why your payment might be late and what to do about it
- How to check your payment status online
- What to do if you're switching bank accounts and worried about missing a payment
When Do SSI Checks Come Out?
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your payment is deposited on the 1st of every month. This is consistent throughout the year — there's no variation based on your birth date or when you filed.
However, when the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the Social Security Administration deposits your payment on the last business day before the 1st. For example, if March 1st falls on a Saturday, you'd receive your payment on Friday, February 28th instead.
In 2026, the SSI individual payment amount is $994 per month, and couples where both spouses receive SSI can receive up to $1,491 per month. These amounts reflect the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that took effect in January 2026.
When Do SSDI Checks Come Out?
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your payment date depends on your birth date. The Social Security Administration splits SSDI recipients into three groups to spread out processing.
If your birthday falls on the 1st through the 10th of the month, your SSDI payment is deposited on the second Wednesday of each month. If your birthday falls on the 11th through the 20th, you'll receive your payment on the third Wednesday. And if your birthday falls on the 21st through the 31st, your SSDI payment arrives on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
There's one exception: if you've been receiving SSDI since before May 1997, or if you receive both SSI and SSDI, your payment is deposited on the 3rd of the month rather than following the Wednesday schedule.
The average SSDI payment in 2026 is approximately $1,630 per month, though the maximum possible benefit is $4,152 per month depending on your earnings history.
Why Is My Social Security Payment Late?
If your expected payment date has passed and you haven't seen the deposit in your bank account, there are several common explanations. Banking processing times vary — some banks post direct deposits early in the morning while others may take until end of day. If you're expecting a payment on a Wednesday and it's still Wednesday, it may simply not have posted yet.
If it's been more than a business day past your expected payment date, check whether the date fell on a holiday that shifted the schedule. You can also log in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to verify that your payment was issued and confirm the bank account on file is correct.
If you recently changed bank accounts, there's a transition period where payments might be delayed. The Social Security Administration recommends keeping your old account open until you've confirmed that at least one payment has been deposited into the new account. If a payment was sent to a closed account, it will typically be returned to SSA, and you'll need to contact them at 1-800-772-1213 to get it reissued.
How to Check Your Payment Status Online
The fastest way to check on your Social Security payment is through the my Social Security portal at ssa.gov. After creating or logging into your account, you can view your payment history, see upcoming payment dates, and verify your banking information.
You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). Phone lines are open weekdays from 8 AM to 7 PM local time, though wait times can be long, especially early in the month when many people are calling about payments.
If you use direct deposit, you can also check with your bank directly. Many banks have tools that show pending deposits before they officially post to your account, which can give you peace of mind while you wait.
Tips for Managing Cash Flow Between Payments
When you're living on a fixed income of $994 or $1,630 per month, the timing of your payment matters as much as the amount. Knowing your exact deposit date helps you schedule bill payments, avoid overdraft fees, and budget more effectively. Setting up automatic payments to align with your deposit date — rather than arbitrary due dates — can help prevent gaps.
If your rent or major bills are due before your payment arrives, many landlords and utility companies will work with you to adjust your due date. It's worth asking, especially if you can show a consistent payment history. Even a few days' alignment can make a big difference when money is tight.
Knowing when your money arrives is just the first step — keeping it organized is what matters most. Purple's checking account is built for SSI and SSDI recipients, helping you track your balance and plan around your payment schedule with ease.