February Social Security payments will begin arriving on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. On the plus side, your Social Security payments should be slightly bigger, thanks to the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase, which went into effect in January. Payments are expected to increase by about $56 per month on average. Married couples will see an average increase of $88.
Another thing: You'll now need to have direct deposit set up with your bank account or use a Direct Express card, as the Social Security Agency is now enforcing its new paperless policy.
If you haven't yet set up direct deposit, learn more about how to easily switch from a paper check to an electronic payment option by visiting Treasury's Go Direct® website or calling the Treasury's Electronic Payment Solution Center at 1-800-333-1795.
Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026
The 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA )is factored into your current payment. That means that starting this past January, you should have seen a slight uptick in your monthly Social Security check. Benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026. This is one of the smallest COLA increases since 2020.
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits
If you collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits, your benefit payment date is also determined by your birthday.
If you get auxiliary benefits on someone else’s earnings record, spousal or survivor benefits, for example, your payment date is determined by that person’s birthday, not yours.
If your payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, you’ll receive your payment early, with payments issued on the weekday immediately prior to your expected payment date.
February Social Security payment dates
The Social Security Administration (SSA) prepares payment schedules before distributing benefits, ensuring you receive your payments on time.
These are the dates you can expect your monthly payments for February 2026 (PDF):
- January 30 - Since February 1, 2026, was a Sunday, payments for February were to go out on Friday, January 30.
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February 3 - You'll receive a Social Security payment on this date if:
- You live outside the U.S.
- You receive both SSI and Social Security benefits
- Your state pays your Medicare premiums
- You filed for Social Security benefits before 1997
- February 11 - You should receive your Social Security payment on the second Wednesday of the month if your birthday falls on any day from the first to the 10th of your birth month.
- February 18 - If your birthday falls on any day from the 11th to the 20th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the third Wednesday of the month.
- February 25 - You’ll get your Social Security payment on the fourth Wednesday of the month if your birthday falls after the 20th of your birth month.
For a more detailed schedule, see Social Security Payment Schedule for 2026.
Medicare Part B premiums taking a bigger chunk out of your Social Security checks
If you're like most Social Security beneficiaries who have their Medicare Part B premiums deducted directly from their Social Security check each month, you may notice a bigger chunk taken out of your check. In 2025, the Part B premium was $185 per month. The premium climbs to $202.90 in 2026. That's a $17.90 difference.
But don't panic just yet. Medicare has a hold harmless provision that ensures that any increase to your Medicare Part B premium never causes your Social Security benefit to decrease. At worst, you'll continue to receive the same benefit you got in 2025.
How to report a missing Social Security payment
If you don’t receive your electronic payments on the scheduled date, contact your bank or financial institution. Sometimes, the Social Security Administration experiences a delay in posting your payment.
If you still need help, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office.
