Social Security · SSI · SSDI
March 2026
Social Security payment dates
The scheduled dates for Social Security retirement, SSDI, survivors and SSI, with holiday shifts explained.
March 2026 dates by payment group
| Payment group | Scheduled deposit date | Regular rule |
|---|---|---|
| SSI | No scheduled SSI deposit in this calendar month | The 1st, or the preceding business day |
| Social Security · 3rd rule | March 3, 2026 | Before May 1997, both benefits, or another qualifying exception |
| Birthday 1st–10th | March 11, 2026 | 2nd Wednesday |
| Birthday 11th–20th | March 18, 2026 | 3rd Wednesday |
| Birthday 21st–31st | March 25, 2026 | 4th Wednesday |
There is no SSI deposit scheduled in March; the March benefit is paid early in the preceding month. Use the record holder’s birthday for spouse or survivor benefits.
What changes this month?
- SSI under the March schedule: the normal March 1, 2026 date falls on a weekend or observed federal holiday, so it is scheduled for February 27, 2026.
There is no SSI deposit scheduled in March; the March benefit is paid early in the preceding month.
Social Security benefits are generally paid for the preceding month. SSI follows the current benefit month. This page lists calendar-month deposits, while the annual table labels the schedule month.
Which date applies to you?
Pick your benefit and payment group. No login or SSN.
Browse 2026 by month
Each month includes all payment groups and its own shifts.
Common payment date questions
When are Social Security and SSDI payments sent?
Most follow the 2nd, 3rd or 4th Wednesday based on the record holder’s birthday. People who received or applied for benefits before May 1997, and people receiving both Social Security and SSI, generally follow the 3rd-of-the-month rule. Your SSA notice takes priority for individual exceptions.
Why can SSI arrive twice in one month?
SSI is normally scheduled for the 1st. When that falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payment moves to the previous business day. The next month’s benefit can therefore arrive before that month begins. Two deposits in one calendar month do not mean an extra benefit.
Whose birthday should I use?
Use the birthday of the person whose work record the Social Security benefit is paid on. If you receive spouse or survivor benefits, this may be your spouse’s or the deceased worker’s birthday. SSI does not use birthday groups.
Will my bank deposit the money early?
Some banks provide early access, but this calculator shows SSA’s scheduled payment dates. It cannot confirm a bank’s processing time, your account balance or whether SSA has issued your individual payment.