Social Security payments in March 2026 are distributed on Wednesday, March 11, Wednesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 25, depending on the beneficiary’s birth date.
SSI recipients do not receive a payment in March 2026. The March 2026 SSI benefit was paid on Friday, February 27, 2026, because Sunday, March 1, falls on a weekend. Pre-May 1997 recipients receive their payment on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
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March 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule – Complete Date Table
March 2026 contains three Social Security payment dates for retirement and SSDI recipients, plus one payment date for pre-May 1997 beneficiaries. SSI has no payment date in March 2026.
| Payment Group | March 2026 Payment Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | No payment in March 2026 | March benefit paid Friday, February 27 |
| Pre-May 1997 / Both SSI and Social Security | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Tuesday |
| Birth dates 1st through 10th | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | Wednesday (2nd Wednesday) |
| Birth dates 11th through 20th | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | Wednesday (3rd Wednesday) |
| Birth dates 21st through 31st | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | Wednesday (4th Wednesday) |
Source: SSA 2026 Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments (Publication No. 05-10031).
Why SSI Recipients Do Not Receive a Payment in March 2026
SSI recipients do not receive a payment in March 2026 because the March benefit was paid early on Friday, February 27, 2026. This occurs because Sunday, March 1, falls on a weekend. The SSA’s policy requires SSI payments to move to the preceding business day when the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday.
This is a normal SSA procedure. It is not an error, a missing payment, or a sign that benefits have been reduced or suspended.
The SSI payment sequence for this period is:
| Benefit Month | Payment Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| February 2026 benefit | Friday, January 30, 2026 | Friday (January 31 is a Saturday) |
| March 2026 benefit | Friday, February 27, 2026 | Friday (March 1 is a Sunday) |
| April 2026 benefit | Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | Wednesday (standard) |
The gap between the February 27 deposit and the next SSI payment on April 1 is 32 days. This is the longest standard inter-payment gap in the 2026 SSI calendar. Beneficiaries should account for this when managing monthly expenses.
Why Some SSI Recipients Saw Two Deposits in February 2026
SSI recipients received two deposits in February 2026 — one on Friday, January 30, 2026 (the February benefit, paid early because February 1 is a Sunday), and one on Friday, February 27, 2026 (the March benefit, paid early because March 1 is a Sunday).
Receiving two deposits in a single calendar month does not mean a double benefit was issued. The total annual SSI payment amount does not change. Each deposit represents a separate month’s benefit paid in advance due to weekend displacement.
Social Security Payments March 11, 2026 – Birth Dates 1st Through 10th
Social Security retirement and SSDI recipients born between the 1st and 10th of any month receive their March 2026 payment on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. This is the second Wednesday of March 2026.
The birth date rule applies to the day of the month only — not the month or year of birth. A recipient born on June 7 in any year receives payment on the second Wednesday of each month, which in March 2026 is March 11.
Who Qualifies for the March 11 Payment
Any retirement or SSDI beneficiary whose birth date falls between the 1st and 10th of any month receives the March 11, 2026, payment. This rule has been in effect since 1997 under the SSA’s birthday payment system established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
Examples of qualifying birth dates for the March 11 group include:
- Anyone born on January 1 through January 10 (any year)
- Anyone born on April 3, July 8, October 10, or any date from the 1st through 10th of any month
Social Security Payments March 18, 2026 – Birth Dates 11th Through 20th
Social Security retirement and SSDI recipients born between the 11th and 20th of any month receive their March 2026 payment on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This is the third Wednesday of March 2026.
Examples of qualifying birth dates for the March 18 group include:
- Anyone born on February 11, May 15, August 19, or any date from the 11th through the 20th of any month
Social Security Payments March 25, 2026 – Birth Dates 21st Through 31st
Social Security retirement and SSDI recipients born between the 21st and 31st of any month receive their March 2026 payment on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. This is the fourth Wednesday of March 2026.
Examples of qualifying birth dates for the March 25 group include:
- Anyone born on March 21, June 28, November 31, or any date from the 21st through 31st of any month
Social Security Payments March 3, 2026 – Pre-May 1997 Recipients
Recipients who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 receive their March 2026 payment on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This group uses the legacy 3rd-of-month payment system, not the birth date Wednesday schedule. March 3 falls on a Tuesday in 2026 and requires no adjustment.
The pre-May 1997 schedule also applies to individuals who receive both Social Security and SSI simultaneously. For this group, the Social Security portion is paid on the 3rd of the month, while the SSI portion follows the 1st-of-month rule (with weekend adjustments).
March 2026 Social Security Payment Dates – Full Detail Reference
| Date | Day | Payment Event | Who Is Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, February 27, 2026 | Friday | SSI payment for March 2026 benefit | All SSI recipients (no payment in March itself) |
| Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Tuesday | Social Security (pre-May 1997 / dual recipients) | Legacy system recipients |
| Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | Wednesday | Social Security retirement / SSDI (2nd Wednesday) | Birth dates 1st–10th |
| Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | Wednesday | Social Security retirement / SSDI (3rd Wednesday) | Birth dates 11th–20th |
| Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | Wednesday | Social Security retirement / SSDI (4th Wednesday) | Birth dates 21st–31st |
There are no federal holidays in March 2026 that affect the payment schedule. All three Wednesday payment dates proceed without adjustment.
How to Identify Your March 2026 Social Security Payment Date
Your March 2026 Social Security payment date depends on your birth date and the program you receive benefits from. Use the following process to identify the correct date.
Step 1 – Identify Your Program Type
Determine which of the following applies:
- SSI only: Your March 2026 benefit was paid on Friday, February 27, 2026
- Social Security before May 1997 or both SSI and Social Security: Your payment is on Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Social Security retirement or SSDI starting May 1997 or later: Your payment date is determined by birth date (proceed to Step 2)
Step 2 – Find Your Birth Date Group
| Your Birth Date | March 2026 Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st through 10th of any month | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 |
| 11th through 20th of any month | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 21st through 31st of any month | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 |
Step 3 – Confirm via My Social Security Account
Log in to your My Social Security account at SSA.gov to verify your specific payment date, confirm direct deposit account details, and review your payment history.
Social Security Benefit Amounts in March 2026
Social Security benefit amounts in March 2026 reflect the 2.8% COLA increase applied in January 2026. The March payment uses the same adjusted amount that first appeared in the January 2026 payment. No additional COLA adjustment occurs in March.
| Benefit Category | Average Monthly Amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| Retired workers | $2,071 |
| Disabled workers (SSDI) | $1,630 |
| Aged couples (both receiving benefits) | ~$3,297 |
| SSI – Individual | $994 |
| SSI – Couple | $1,491 |
Source: SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet.
Why Your March 2026 Check May Differ from the Average
Individual benefit amounts vary based on earnings history, claiming age, Medicare Part B premium deductions, and benefit adjustments. The following factors commonly cause a beneficiary’s monthly payment to differ from the published average:
- Medicare Part B premium deduction: The 2026 standard Part B premium is approximately $202.90 per month, deducted directly from Social Security payments for enrolled beneficiaries
- Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA): Higher-income beneficiaries pay additional Medicare premiums above the standard rate
- Benefit offset for other federal debts: The Treasury Offset Program can reduce payments to recover outstanding federal debts
- Workers’ compensation offset: SSDI payments may be reduced if the beneficiary also receives workers’ compensation
- Partial month of eligibility: New beneficiaries in their first month may receive a prorated amount
March 2026 Social Security Direct Deposit – When Will Funds Clear?
Social Security direct deposit payments are released by the SSA on the scheduled payment date, but the time funds become available in a bank account depends on the financial institution’s processing procedures.
For most major US banks and credit unions, direct deposit funds are available on the same day the SSA releases the payment. Some institutions post direct deposits up to one business day before the official payment date (known as early direct deposit). A small number of financial institutions hold funds for 1–3 business days for verification.
| Deposit Method | Typical Fund Availability |
|---|---|
| Direct deposit (major US banks) | Same day as SSA payment date |
| Direct deposit (some credit unions / smaller banks) | Same day or next business day |
| Direct Express prepaid card | Same day as SSA payment date |
| Paper check (mailed) | 3–5 business days after payment date |
If funds from the March 11, March 18, or March 25 payments have not appeared within 3 business days after the scheduled date, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 before assuming the payment is missing.
March 2026 and Tax Season – Key Intersections for Social Security Recipients
March 2026 falls within the peak federal income tax filing season, which runs from late January through the April 15 filing deadline. Social Security recipients should be aware of several intersections between their benefits and tax obligations during this period.
SSA-1099 Form – Social Security Benefit Statement
The SSA issues Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefit Statement) each January for use in preparing the prior-year federal tax return. The form reports the total Social Security benefits paid during 2025 and is required to complete the federal income tax return.
Recipients who did not receive their SSA-1099 or who need a replacement can download it through the following steps:
- Log in to My Social Security at SSA.gov
- Select “Replace Your Tax Form SSA-1099/SSA-1042S”
- Select tax year 2025
- Download the PDF
The SSA-1099 is available online for most recipients regardless of whether they have previously used the online portal. Non-citizens who receive Social Security benefits from US earnings receive Form SSA-1042S instead.
Is Social Security Taxable? – 2025 Return Thresholds
Social Security benefits received in 2025 may be subject to federal income tax, depending on combined income. Combined income is calculated as: Adjusted Gross Income + non-taxable interest + 50% of total Social Security benefits received.
| Filing Status | Combined Income | Taxable Portion of Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Single / Head of Household | Below $25,000 | 0% |
| Single / Head of Household | $25,000 – $34,000 | Up to 50% taxable |
| Single / Head of Household | Above $34,000 | Up to 85% taxable |
| Married Filing Jointly | Below $32,000 | 0% |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,000 – $44,000 | Up to 50% taxable |
| Married Filing Jointly | Above $44,000 | Up to 85% taxable |
Source: IRS Publication 915.
The 2.8% COLA increase first applied to January 2026 payments does not affect the 2025 tax return being filed in March 2026. It will affect the 2026 tax return filed in 2027. Beneficiaries whose combined income is close to the $25,000 or $32,000 thresholds should recalculate their 2026 tax liability based on the higher monthly benefit amounts.
IRS Refunds vs. Social Security Payments – Important Distinction
IRS tax refunds and Social Security payments are separate and unrelated deposits. IRS refunds for taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) become available starting on or around March 2, 2026, under the PATH Act timeline. These refunds are issued by the US Treasury and identified with a “IRS TREAS 310 TAX REF” deposit description.
Social Security payments are identified with a “SSA TREAS 310 XXSOC SEC” deposit description.
Any text, email, or phone call claiming a “March 2026 Social Security stimulus check” or “extra March Social Security deposit” is not an official SSA communication. The SSA does not issue one-time stimulus payments. Verify all payment information at SSA.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Working in March 2026 While Receiving Social Security
Social Security retirement recipients under Full Retirement Age who work in March 2026 remain subject to the annual earnings limit of $24,480. Exceeding this limit results in a temporary benefit reduction, not a permanent loss.
March 2026 Earnings Test – How It Works
The earnings test applies only to wages and self-employment income. It does not apply to investment income, pension income, or interest.
| Situation | 2026 Annual Earnings Limit | Reduction Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Under Full Retirement Age for all of 2026 | $24,480 per year ($2,040 per month average) | $1 withheld per $2 earned over limit |
| Reaching Full Retirement Age during 2026 (months before birthday) | $65,160 per year ($5,430 per month average) | $1 withheld per $3 earned over limit |
| At or past Full Retirement Age | No limit | No reduction |
For people born in 1960 who reach Full Retirement Age of 67 in 2026: The earnings test ends permanently on the month of the 67th birthday. If that birthday falls after March 2026, the standard under-FRA limit of $24,480 applies to earnings through the month before the birthday.
The SSDI earnings limit (Substantial Gainful Activity threshold) is $1,690 per month for non-blind recipients in 2026. SSDI recipients who earn above this amount for an extended period may trigger a review of their disability status.
March 2026 Social Security – Recipients Born in 1960
Individuals born in 1960 who have not yet claimed Social Security as of March 2026 are approaching their Full Retirement Age of 67. For those born in March 1960, the birthday month itself is the month FRA is reached.
Three specific changes occur when a 1960-birth-year beneficiary reaches age 67:
- Earnings test eliminated: Beginning the month of the 67th birthday, there is no limit on work income. Unlimited earnings do not affect the monthly benefit
- Full Primary Insurance Amount payable: Benefits are no longer reduced for early claiming if the beneficiary has not yet started receiving payments
- Delayed retirement credits continue accumulating: For each month of delay beyond FRA up to age 70, the monthly benefit increases by 0.667% (equivalent to 8% per year)
Individuals born in March 1960 who first claim retirement benefits starting with the March 2026 payment will receive 100% of their calculated Primary Insurance Amount.
Comparing March 2026 Social Security Dates to Surrounding Months
The March 2026 Social Security payment schedule differs from February and April due to the March 1 weekend displacement affecting SSI.
| Month | SSI Payment Date | Social Security (Pre-1997) | Birth 1st–10th | Birth 11th–20th | Birth 21st–31st |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | Friday, January 30, 2026 | Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 |
| March 2026 | None (Feb 27 paid advance) | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 |
| April 2026 | Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | Friday, April 3, 2026 | Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | Wednesday, April 22, 2026 |
The March 2026 retirement and SSDI payment dates (March 11, 18, and 25) follow the standard schedule without adjustment. No federal holidays fall within the March 2026 payment window.
What to Do If Your March 2026 Social Security Payment Is Late or Missing
If a Social Security payment does not appear on the expected date, the SSA requests that beneficiaries wait 3 business days before taking action. Direct deposit payments typically clear on the same day the SSA releases them. Paper checks require additional mailing time.
Step-by-Step Process for a Missing March 2026 Payment
- Confirm the correct payment date: Cross-reference your birth date against the March 2026 schedule above. SSI recipients should confirm their benefit was paid on Friday, February 27, 2026, not in March
- Check bank or card account: Log in to the bank account, credit union account, or Direct Express prepaid card linked to the SSA deposit
- Look for the correct deposit description: Social Security direct deposits appear as “SSA TREAS 310 XXSOC SEC” in bank transaction records. SSI deposits appear as “SSA TREAS 310 XXSSI.”
- Wait 3 business days: If the payment does not appear within 3 business days after the scheduled date, proceed to contact the SSA
- Contact the SSA: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time. Have your Social Security number and bank account information available
- Check My Social Security account: Log in at SSA.gov to verify payment status, confirm direct deposit details, and view the payment history for the current and prior months
- Report a stolen or lost paper check: Call 1-800-772-1213 to report the missing check. The SSA will initiate a payment trace
Common reasons a March 2026 payment may not appear on the expected date:
- Outdated or incorrect direct deposit information on file with the SSA
- Bank holds on incoming government deposits (typically released within 1–2 business days)
- SSI recipients checking for a “March payment” when the March benefit was paid on February 27
- Paper check sent to an outdated mailing address
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Payments in March 2026
When are Social Security payments made in March 2026?
Social Security retirement and SSDI payments in March 2026 are made on Wednesday, March 11, Wednesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 25, 2026, based on the recipient’s birth date. Pre-May 1997 recipients are paid on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. SSI recipients have no payment in March; the March benefit was paid on Friday, February 27, 2026.
Why didn’t I get an SSI payment in March 2026?
You did not receive an SSI payment in March 2026 because the March benefit was paid early on Friday, February 27, 2026. This is because Sunday, March 1, falls on a weekend, triggering the SSA’s standard rule of advancing SSI payments to the preceding business day. The next SSI payment after February 27 is Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Who gets Social Security on March 11, 2026?
Social Security retirement and SSDI recipients whose birth date falls between the 1st and 10th of any month receive their March 2026 payment on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Only the day of birth matters — not the month or year.
Who gets Social Security on March 18, 2026?
Social Security retirement and SSDI recipients whose birth date falls between the 11th and 20th of any month receive their March 2026 payment on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Who gets Social Security on March 25, 2026?
Social Security retirement and SSDI recipients whose birth date falls between the 21st and 31st of any month receive their March 2026 payment on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
Is there an extra Social Security payment in March 2026?
No. There is no extra or bonus Social Security payment in March 2026. Any claim of an “extra March 2026 Social Security payment” or “stimulus check” for Social Security recipients is not an official SSA program. The SSA does not issue supplemental or bonus payments outside the standard monthly schedule.
Why did I get two Social Security deposits in February 2026?
Two SSI deposits appeared in February 2026 because the February 2026 benefit was paid early on Friday, January 30, and the March 2026 benefit was also paid early on Friday, February 27. Both displacements occurred because February 1 and March 1 both fall on weekends in 2026. The total annual benefit amount is unchanged.
What time does Social Security deposit funds on payment day?
The SSA releases direct deposit payments on the scheduled payment date, but the specific time funds appear in a bank account depends on the financial institution. Most major banks make direct deposits available at midnight or early morning on the payment date. Some banks provide early access up to one business day before the scheduled date. The SSA itself does not specify a release time.
Will Social Security be paid on March 1, 2026?
No. Sunday, March 1, 2026, is not a payment date for any Social Security program. SSI recipients did not receive a payment on March 1, 2026. Their March benefit was paid on Friday, February 27, 2026.
Is there a Social Security payment on March 3, 2026?
Yes. Recipients who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, or who receive both SSI and Social Security, are paid on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
How much is Social Security paying in March 2026?
Social Security retirement payments average approximately $2,071 per month in 2026, following the 2.8% COLA increase effective January 2026. SSDI averages approximately $1,630 per month. SSI pays a federal maximum of $994 per month for individuals. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history, claiming age, and Medicare premium deductions.
Will a government shutdown delay March 2026 Social Security payments?
No. Social Security payments continue during a federal government shutdown. Social Security benefits are funded through the Social Security trust funds and paid under permanent mandatory appropriations that do not require annual congressional approval. The March 2026 payment schedule is not affected by the government shutdown status.
March 2026 Social Security Payments – Quick Reference
| Payment Group | Payment Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| SSI (March 2026 benefit) | Friday, February 27, 2026 | (Paid in February) |
| Pre-May 1997 / Dual recipients | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | Tuesday |
| Birth dates 1st–10th | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Birth dates 11th–20th | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Birth dates 21st–31st | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Next SSI payment | Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | Wednesday |
| Gap between SSI payments | 32 days (Feb 27 to Apr 1) | — |
| Federal holidays affecting schedule | None | — |
Disclaimer: This article presents information based on the Social Security Administration’s official 2026 Benefit Payment Schedule (Publication No. 05-10031). It is not an official SSA communication. Verify all payment dates directly at SSA.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
All payment dates in this article are sourced from the Social Security Administration’s 2026 Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments (Publication No. 05-10031). Tax threshold data is sourced from IRS Publication 915. Benefit amounts reflect the SSA’s 2026 COLA Fact Sheet. This content is for informational purposes only.
