March Social Security payments will begin arriving on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. And, if you've noticed a slight uptick in the amount you're receiving, you can thank the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase, which went into effect this past January. Payments increased by about $56 per month on average, with married couples seeing an average increase of $88.
Another thing: Starting this past September, the Social Security Agency started enforcing its new paperless policy. So, if you're wondering why your check isn't coming in the mail, 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.
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. Your payment should arrive on February 27, as March 1 is a Sunday. Your next payment should arrive on April 1.
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 before your expected payment date.
March 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 March 2026 (PDF):
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March 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
- March 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.
- March 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.
- March 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 have noticed a bigger chunk taken out of your check. In 2025, the Part B premium was $185 per month. The premium climbed 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.
