Social Security beneficiaries are preparing for the February 18, 2026 payment, which reflects the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to monthly benefits. Understanding who qualifies for this payment and how much you may receive can help you plan your finances more effectively.
Here’s a full breakdown of eligibility, payment amounts, and the updated schedule.
Who Is Eligible for the February 18, 2026 Payment?
The Social Security Administration follows a structured payment schedule based primarily on your birth date and when you first started receiving benefits.
The February 18, 2026 payment typically applies to:
- Beneficiaries whose birth dates fall between the 11th and 20th of any month
- Individuals receiving Social Security retirement benefits
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients
- Survivor benefit recipients within the same birth date group
If your birth date falls within that range, your payment is generally scheduled for the third Wednesday of February, which is February 18 in 2026.
Beneficiaries who began receiving payments before May 1997 usually follow a different schedule and may receive payments earlier in the month.
How Much Will You Receive with the 2.8% COLA?
The 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment was introduced to help benefits keep pace with inflation.
Here’s how the increase works:
If your previous monthly benefit was $1,500
A 2.8% increase adds approximately $42
New estimated monthly benefit: $1,542
If your benefit was $2,000
A 2.8% increase adds about $56
New estimated monthly benefit: $2,056
The exact amount depends on your individual earnings record, retirement age, and benefit type.
Updated February 2026 SSA Payment Schedule
For clarity, here’s how February payments are structured:
- Birth dates 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday
- Birth dates 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday (February 18, 2026)
- Birth dates 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
SSI payments are generally issued on the first of the month unless adjusted for holidays or weekends.
How Payments Are Delivered
Most Social Security payments are sent via:
- Direct deposit to bank accounts
- Direct Express debit cards
Direct deposit remains the fastest and most secure method.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
If your February 18 payment does not arrive on time:
- Wait at least three business days
- Check your bank account information
- Contact your financial institution
- Reach out to the SSA if necessary
Delays are uncommon but can occur due to banking processing times.
Final Thoughts
The February 18, 2026 Social Security payment includes the 2.8% COLA increase for eligible beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of the month. Payment amounts vary depending on individual benefit calculations, but the COLA ensures that monthly benefits reflect inflation adjustments.