Retirement Social Security

Social Security Payments Go Out This Week - But Not Everyone Will Get One

Are you scheduled to receive Social Security this week?

By Josh Koebert , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated May 12, 2026

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While the first batch of May Social Security payments is scheduled to go out this Wednesday (May 13, 2026), that doesn't necessarily mean you'll be getting your senior benefit payment this week. Since Social Security payments are made based on your birthdate, some recipients won't even see their paychecks for weeks.

It all revolves around the Social Security Administration's specific payment schedule, which determines when you get paid. Whether you're brand new to Social Security or you're confused about the timing, keep reading. We'll explain when your payment will go through this month, including how the schedule changes with federal holidays, weekends, and the type of payment you receive.

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How does the Social Security payment schedule work?

Processing payments for all 69 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits each month would require a lot of coordinated time and effort. It would also result in major hassle if something went wrong with individual payments. If everyone in the country were supposed to receive their payments on the same day of the month, wait times to get in touch with Social Security agents and address potential issues would take even longer than it already does.

To make the numbers a little more manageable (and reduce the number of people who could potentially experience payment problems during any given month), the Social Security Administration pays most of its Social Security benefits three times per month: on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays.

So what determines the Wednesday on which you get your payment? For most beneficiaries, it's the date of your birth — not the year or the day of the week, but the precise date on which you were born.

Based on this schedule, retirees and other beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of their birth month get their benefits check on the second Wednesday. Those born between the 11th and 20th of their birth month get paid on the third Wednesday of every month. And those born between the 21st and 31st of their birth month get paid on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

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What does this mean for this week's Social Security payment schedule?

According to the 2026 payment schedule, the beneficiaries scheduled to receive their payments on Wednesday, May 13, include most individuals who were born between the 1st and 10th days of their birth months. For instance, if you were born on April 1, 1953, you'll be getting your check this Wednesday.

Others will have to wait a bit longer for their checks. Those born between the 11th and 20th will be paid next Wednesday, May 20. Finally, those born between the 21st and 31st will be paid two weeks from now, on May 27.

Are any beneficiaries on a different payment schedule?

If you started receiving your Social Security benefits prior to May 1997, you usually get your Social Security check on the third day of the month. However, the third falls on a Sunday this May. If your benefit day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the government pays you on the nearest weekday before your scheduled payment date, so these beneficiaries got their Social Security checks on Friday, May 1, 2026.

In June, the third is a Wednesday, so next month's payment for these retirees will be made on the typical payment date of June 3, 2026.

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What about Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a different type of government benefit paid to individuals with extremely limited resources and income. This can include children, adults, disabled individuals (including those with blindness), and anyone over age 65.

Not all SSI beneficiaries also receive Social Security benefits, but many do. These individuals receive their SSI benefits on the first day of the month and their Social Security benefits on the third day of the month. Since May 3 fell on a Sunday this year, this means they got both benefits checks on Friday, May 1.

In June, these payments return to normal since they both fall on weekdays. SSI checks will go out on Monday, June 1, with Social Security checks to follow on Wednesday, June 3.

What if you don't get your payment on the right date?

If your payment doesn't come through (either this Wednesday, next Wednesday, or the Wednesday after), the Social Security Administration (SSA) asks you to wait three mailing days before getting in touch with their customer service team. During those three days, you should contact your bank to make sure the problem isn't on their end. You should also look at your online my Social Security account to check that your address, phone number, and direct deposit information are up to date.

After three days (not including federal holidays or Sundays), if your payment still hasn't come through, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. your time.

Bottom line

Understanding the Social Security payment schedule can help you avoid money mistakes like scheduling bill payments for dates when your bank account balance is lower than you thought. While scheduling changes are infrequent, it's smart to print out the SSA's yearly schedule and tape it to your fridge so you can stay on top of any upcoming changes.

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