Millions of Americans are receiving their monthly federal benefits today as the Social Security Administration continues its February 2026 payment cycle. Today’s payment — Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 — is the second major wave of Social Security deposits this month and covers beneficiaries with birthdays in the mid-month range.
Under the SSA’s standard schedule, retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits are issued on Wednesdays throughout February based on the recipient’s birth date: those born 1st–10th were paid on Feb. 11, those born 11th–20th receive their payment today, and those born 21st–31st will be paid on Feb. 25. This staggered system applies to people who began receiving benefits after May 1997.
Other groups have separate dates: beneficiaries who started Social Security before May 1997 and those receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) were paid earlier in the month. SSI itself was issued on Jan. 30 because Feb. 1 fell on a Sunday, following SSA’s rule to pay on the previous business day.
Most direct deposits show up early Wednesday morning, though posting times can vary by bank.
