Millions of Americans who rely on Supplemental Security Income will receive their February checks three days early. The Social Security Administration has moved the February SSI payment date to Friday, January 30, 2026.
The shift affects roughly 7.4 million beneficiaries nationwide. February 1, 2026, falls on a Sunday. Federal rules require SSI payments to arrive on the preceding business day when the first of the month lands on a weekend or holiday.
This change puts money in bank accounts before the weekend begins. Recipients who depend on these funds for rent, groceries, and medications should verify their accounts on January 30.
The early arrival is part of a larger pattern this year. Several 2026 SSI payments will arrive earlier than usual due to calendar quirks.
Here is the complete schedule for the remaining year:
• March 2026 benefit: Arrives Friday, February 27 (March 1 is a Sunday)
• April 2026 benefit: Arrives Wednesday, April 1 (normal schedule)
• May 2026 benefit: Arrives Friday, May 1 (normal schedule)
• August 2026 benefit: Arrives Friday, July 31 (August 1 is a Saturday)
• November 2026 benefit: Arrives Friday, October 30 (November 1 is a Sunday)
• January 2027 benefit: Arrives Thursday, December 31, 2026 (January 1 is a federal holiday)
The January 30 deposit carries extra significance. It is the second SSI check to include the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2026.
Payment amounts have increased. An individual recipient can now receive up to $994 per month, up from $967 in 2025. An eligible couple can receive $1,491, rising from $1,450. Essential persons who live with SSI recipients now receive $498, up from $484.
But early arrivals come with a critical warning. This is not extra money. The January 30 payment replaces the February check. It is an advance, not a bonus.
Because the March payment will also arrive early on February 27, beneficiaries will see no SSI deposit during the calendar month of March. This gap often confuses recipients who monitor bank statements. Budget carefully to cover expenses through late March.
Other Social Security programs follow different rules. Retirement, survivors, and SSDI benefits stick to their normal Wednesday schedule based on birth dates. These payments do not shift for weekends.
Recipients should stay alert for overpayments. Any changes in income, living arrangements, or marital status can affect benefit amounts. The SSA urges beneficiaries to update their information through their my Social Security online account. Reporting changes immediately prevents surprise debts later.
Check your bank account on the morning of January 30. Direct deposits typically post early in the day. Paper check recipients should expect delivery by January 31.
