The U.S.’s Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing to kick off this month’s three-Wednesdays payment cycle, with millions of Social Security recipients nationwide set to get their March 2026 benefits next week.
When is the next Social Security payment? Who gets it?
On Wednesday, Mar. 11, Social Security benefits are to be issued to recipients born between the first and 10th of any month. (NB: If you claim benefits based on someone else’s work record, that person’s birthday is used.)
How does the three-Wednesdays payment cycle work?
Of the 70 million people who receive Social Security benefits in the U.S. – be it retirement, disability, or survivor pay – most get their money on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month. A recipient’s allocated Wednesday depends on the date of birth of the worker whose Social Security taxes have earned their benefits entitlement.
March 2026’s three-Wednesdays payment cycle:
- Born on 1st-10th of any month: Weds., Mar. 11
- Born on 11th-20th of any month: Weds., Mar. 18
- Born on 21st-31st of any month: Weds., Mar. 25
Who are the exceptions to this Social Security payment system?
Two groups of Social Security beneficiaries are paid outside the SSA’s three-Wednesdays cycle:
- Recipients who began claiming before May 1997
- Recipients who combine Social Security with Supplemental Security Income (a separate SSA benefit for certain low-income Americans)
Both sets of beneficiaries were scheduled to be paid March’s Social Security benefits on Tuesday, Mar. 3.
You can find out more about March’s payment schedule, for both Social Security benefits and Supplement Security Income, in this explainer.
How much are monthly Social Security benefits on average?
- Retired workers: $2,074.53
- Disabled workers: $1,633.48
- Survivors: $1,622.32
Social Security benefits – the payment methods:
- Benefits can be paid into a recipient’s bank account by direct deposit
- Money can be loaded onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal payments
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
