As July 2026 enters its penultimate week, the U.S.’s Social Security Administration (SSA) is poised to round off this month’s three-Wednesdays benefits cycle.
Keep reading for the lowdown on July’s payment timeline for the following programs:
- Social Security (retirement, disability and survivor)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Three-Wednesdays Social Security cycle: July 2026 update
Of the U.S.’s 71.3 million Social Security recipients, many are paid on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month, depending on their birthday.
In July, this cycle kicked in on Wednesday 8 and is now one payment run away from completion:
NB: If you receive Social Security based on someone else’s work record, the SSA uses the other person’s date of birth.
What other payment dates are on the July 2026 schedule?
- July 1: July’s SSI benefits paid out
On Wednesday, July 1, the SSA paid out SSI benefits to the program’s 7.3 million beneficiaries.
A benefit for certain low-income individuals, SSI is run by the SSA, but differs from Social Security as it is needs-based. Eligibility does not depend on a claimant’s employment history.
- July 2: Social Security paid to certain long-term beneficiaries
On Thursday, July 2, the SSA sent out this month’s Social Security to recipients who began receiving their benefits before May 1997.
- July 2: Social Security paid to beneficiaries also on SSI
Thursday 2 was July’s Social Security payment date for beneficiaries who combine the scheme with SSI.
Dual and pre-May ‘97 recipients are typically paid their Social Security on the third of each month, but were paid ahead of schedule because July 3 was a federal holiday.
- July 31: August’s SSI payments to go out
On Friday, July 31, August’s SSI benefits are due to be issued a day early. This is because next month’s typical distribution date, August 1, is a weekend day.
How much are Social Security and SSI benefits?
- Social Security retirement benefits: $2,029.92/month
- Social Security disability benefits: $1,496.16/month
- Social Security survivor benefits: $1,631.39/month
- SSI benefits: $738.10/month
(Average benefit, per stats shared by the SSA.)
How does the Social Security Administration pay benefits?
- Benefits can be transferred 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
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