The full 2026 Social Security payment schedule is here. See when to expect your monthly check.

"Each month, 74 million Americans receive their Social Security checks. The payments - which are typically between $800 and $3,000 a month - make up the US' largest social safety net. Business Insider has heard from hundreds of seniors who rely on Social Security to afford essentials like housing, groceries, and healthcare. Eligibility for benefits Older adults are first eligible for payments beginning at age 62, but they can claim their highest possible benefit amount around age 70."

"There will be some Social Security changes in 2026: a cost-of-living adjustment will be applied to all payments, Medicare costs are set to increase, and some seniors will see additional tax relief. The monthly payment schedule, however, will remain similar to 2025. Beneficiaries with a birth date between the 1st and 10th of the month will be paid on the second Wednesday; beneficiaries with a birth date between the 11th and 20th will be paid on the third Wednesday; And beneficiaries with a birthday from the 21st to 31st will be paid on the fourth Wednesday."

Each month, 74 million Americans receive Social Security checks, typically between $800 and $3,000, forming the nation's largest social safety net. Payments help seniors afford housing, groceries, and healthcare. Older adults can begin benefits at age 62 and claim maximum benefits around age 70. Social Security will have a 2026 cost-of-living adjustment, higher Medicare costs, and some additional tax relief for certain seniors. The monthly payment schedule remains similar to 2025: birth dates determine which Wednesday a beneficiary is paid. Supplemental Security Income recipients and pre-1997 claimants follow different timing rules.

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