As August 2026 approaches its final full week, the U.S.’s Social Security Administration (SSA) is close to rounding off this month’s benefits payment schedule.
Per the SSA’s official distribution timeline, the agency has completed four of its five payment runs for August, covering the following benefits programs:
Three-Wednesdays payment cycle – August status update:
Of the U.S.’s 71 million recipients of Social Security benefits, many get their money on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month, depending on their birthday. In August, this three-Wednesdays cycle kicked in 10 days ago, and is due conclude next week:
- Beneficiaries born on 1st-10th of any month: paid on Wednesday, August 12
- Beneficiaries born on 11th-20th of any month: paid on Wednesday, August 19
- Beneficiaries born on 21st-31st of any month: paid on Wednesday, August 26
NB: If you claim Social Security benefits based on someone else’s work record, the SSA uses the other person’s date of birth.
August’s other Social Security/SSI payment dates:
- Friday, July 31: SSI benefits paid out
On July 31, the SSA issued August’s SSI benefits, a 24 hours ahead of the program’s typical schedule. SSI is typically paid out on the first day of each month, but was distributed early because August 1 was a Saturday.
A benefit for low-income Americans who are over 65 or have a disability, SSI is separate to the Social Security scheme, despite also being run by the SSA. While Social Security claimants must accumulate work credits to qualify for payments, eligibility for SSI does not depend on an applicant’s employment history.
- Monday, August 3: Social Security paid to twin beneficiaries and some long-term recipients
On Monday 3, the SSA sent out August’s Social Security benefits to individuals who have been receiving their payments since before May 1997. This was also the Social Security distribution date for beneficiaries who combine the scheme with SSI.
How much are monthly Social Security and SSI benefits?
- Social Security retirement: $2,031.74
- Social Security disability: $1,498.43
- Social Security survivor: $1,634.61
- SSI: $736.54/month
(Average monthly benefit, according to figures shared by the SSA.)
How does the Social Security Administration make payments?
- Monthly benefits can be paid into a beneficiary’s bank account by direct deposit
- Payments can be loaded onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal disbursements
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