In the U.S., millions of Social Security recipients are to get their latest monthly benefits this week, in what is the final payment run on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) distribution schedule for May 2026.
Who’s receiving Social Security on Wednesday, May 27?
Of the 71.1 million Social Security beneficiaries, most receive their money on one of three Wednesdays each month, depending on their date of birth. This Wednesday sees the SSA pay recipients born from the 21st to 31st of any month.
May 2026’s full three-Wednesdays schedule is:
- Born on 1st-10th of any month: Wednesday, May 13
- Born on 11th-20th of any month: Wednesday, May 20
- Born on 21st-31st of any month: Wednesday, May 27
NB: If you claim Social Security based on someone else’s work record, the SSA uses the other person’s birthday.
What other Social Security payment runs were there in May 2026?
- May 1: Some long-term beneficiaries
People who began claiming Social Security before May 1997 are typically paid on the third of each month, no matter their date of birth. But as May 3 was a Sunday, this group of recipients got its Social Security on Friday, May 1.
- May 1: Dual recipients (Social Security + SSI)
Social Security can be combined with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a benefit for certain low-income, low-resource individuals. Dual recipients normally get SSI on the first, followed by Social Security on the third. As May 3 was a Sunday, however, both were sent out on Friday 1.
How much do Social Security beneficiaries receive?
- Retirement benefits: $2,026.41
- Disability benefits: $1,493.20
- Survivor benefits: $1,625.56
(Average monthly Social Security benefit, per figures shared by the SSA.)
How does Social Security make benefits payments?
Social Security beneficiaries can update their bank-account information using the SSA’s online my Social Security tool.
Benefits can be paid onto the Direct Express Card, a debit card for federal disbursements. You can sign up for Direct Express at 1-800-333-1795 or 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office.
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