Millions of Americans are preparing for the next Social Security payment scheduled for February 18, 2026. This deposit reflects the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that increased monthly benefits at the start of the year. If you receive retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, it’s important to know whether you qualify for this payment date and how much you can expect.
Here’s a full breakdown of eligibility, payment timing, and updated benefit amounts.
Who Will Receive the February 18, 2026 Payment?
The Social Security Administration follows a staggered monthly payment schedule based primarily on your birth date.
The February 18, 2026 payment typically applies to:
- Beneficiaries born 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 range
If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, your benefit is generally paid on the third Wednesday of the month — which is February 18 in 2026.
Those who started receiving benefits before May 1997 usually follow a different payment schedule and may receive their funds earlier in the month.
How Much Will You Get with the 2.8% COLA?
The 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment was applied to help benefits keep pace with inflation. The increase affects all eligible Social Security recipients.
Here’s how it may impact your monthly payment:
If your previous monthly benefit was $1,400
A 2.8% increase adds about $39
New estimated monthly amount: approximately $1,439
If your benefit was $1,800
A 2.8% increase adds about $50
New estimated monthly amount: approximately $1,850
If your benefit was $2,200
A 2.8% increase adds about $62
New estimated monthly amount: approximately $2,262
Your exact payment depends on your earnings history, retirement age, and benefit type.
Updated February 2026 SSA Payment Schedule
For clarity, here is how the February schedule works:
- 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
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are usually issued on the first of the month unless adjusted for weekends or holidays.
How Payments Are Sent
Most beneficiaries receive their payments through:
- Direct deposit to a bank account
- Direct Express debit card
Direct deposit remains the fastest and most reliable method.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
If your February 18 payment does not arrive:
- Wait at least three business days
- Check your bank account details
- Contact your financial institution
- Reach out to SSA if needed
Delays are uncommon but can happen due to banking processing times.
Final Thoughts
The February 18, 2026 Social Security payment is coming soon for beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of the month. With the 2.8% COLA increase already applied, recipients will see slightly higher monthly benefit amounts.