On Wednesday, March 18, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send a new round of payments.
Each month, the agency sends payments to retired workers, survivors, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients, and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, only one group will receive their money next Wednesday.
How Social Security Payments Are Sent Each Month
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are sent on the first day of each month. Beneficiaries who began receiving payments before May 1997 receive their money on the third day of each month. For those receiving both SSI and Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or SSDI), SSI payments are sent on the first of the month, and Social Security payments on the third.
The remaining Social Security checks (retirement, survivors, and SSDI) are sent from the second to the fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the beneficiary’s date of birth:
- Second Wednesday of the month: beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- Third Wednesday of the month: beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th
- Fourth Wednesday of the month: beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st
If a payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is advanced to the first business day prior.
Who Will Receive a Social Security Payment on March 18
For March payments, the SSA sent Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits starting February 27, as March 1 fell on a weekend and the payment was advanced. On March 3, the agency sent payments to beneficiaries who began receiving payments before May 1997.
SSI payments were sent on February 27 and Social Security payments on March 3, for those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as well as some Social Security (retirement, survivors, or SSDI) payments.
On Wednesday, March 18, the Social Security Administration will send payments to beneficiaries with a birth date between the 11th and 20th of each month. The final payment of the month will be sent on Wednesday, March 25, to beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
How Social Security Benefits Are Paid
Currently, Social Security payments are sent electronically via direct deposit and the Direct Express Debit Card. Payments were previously sent by mail via paper check, but this method ended in September of last year. Beneficiaries who received checks by mail must change their payment method to receive benefits.
This year, the amount of Social Security payments increased due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), but the amount is not the same for everyone. The amount is calculated individually. In November and December of last year, the Social Security Administration notified beneficiaries of the exact amount they would receive in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive my SSI payment in March?
SSI payments were sent beginning February 27, as March 1 was a weekend.
What determines the day of the month I receive my Social Security check?
The day of the month you receive your Social Security check depends on your date of birth.
How are Social Security payments currently delivered?
Currently, Social Security payments are sent electronically via direct deposit and the Direct Express Debit Card.
As the Social Security Administration continues its monthly payment schedule, will these established timelines remain consistent for beneficiaries?
