If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “When is my check coming?”—you’re not alone.
That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide to the 2026 SSDI payment schedule, so you can plan your month with confidence. Plus, there’s good news: a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment means a bit more money in your pocket this year.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your year.
First, the Good News: Your 2026 Benefits Are Going Up
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA for 2026, which means your monthly benefit will be slightly higher than last year. This adjustment is designed to help your benefits keep pace with inflation.
Here’s what that looks like in real dollars:
Your actual benefit amount depends on your individual work history and earnings record. You can check your exact 2026 amount by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
Your 2026 SSDI Payment Schedule by Birth Date
If you started receiving SSDI benefits after May 1997, your payment date is determined by your birthday. The Social Security Administration uses a simple system:
Born on the 1st through 10th: You’re paid on the second Wednesday of each month
Born on the 11th through 20th: You’re paid on the third Wednesday of each month
Born on the 21st through 31st: You’re paid on the fourth Wednesday of each month
Here are all your payment dates for 2026:
Special Payment Situations
Not everyone follows the birth date schedule. Here’s what to know if your situation is different:
If you started receiving benefits before May 1997: Your payment arrives on the 3rd of each month (or the prior business day if the 3rd falls on a weekend or holiday).
If you receive both SSDI and SSI: Your SSDI payment comes on the 3rd of the month, and your SSI payment comes on the 1st.
If you receive SSI only: Your payment arrives on the 1st of each month. When the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, you’ll be paid on the preceding business day. Important: Your January 2026 SSI payment was actually issued on December 31, 2025, because January 1 is a federal holiday.
If you receive survivor or spousal benefits: Your payment date is based on the primary beneficiary’s birthday, not yours.
What to Do If Your 2026 SSDI Payment Is Late
If your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, the Social Security Administration recommends waiting three additional mailing days before contacting them. Keep in mind that direct deposit is typically faster and more reliable than paper checks.
If you’ve waited and still haven’t received your payment, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Tips for Managing Your 2026 SSDI Payment Schedule
Set up direct deposit if you haven’t already. It’s the fastest and most secure way to receive your benefits. You can set this up through your my Social Security account online.
Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. You can view your payment history, check your benefit amount, update your address, and access your annual SSA-1099 tax form.
Mark your calendar with your specific payment dates for the year. Knowing exactly when to expect your money makes budgeting much easier.
Struggling With Your SSDI Claim? We Can Help.
A denied claim or benefits issue doesn’t have to be the end of the road.
At Tucker Disability Law, we’ve helped thousands of people get the disability benefits they’ve earned—and we never give up on our clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There’s no cost to talk, and no pressure. Just honest answers about your situation and what we can do to help.
Use the blue contact section to call us, live chat with us, or message us. You can also message us using our confidential contact form
