Social Security pays retirement, survivor and disability (SSDI) benefits on a set schedule based on your birthday. Below is the full 2027 Social Security payment schedule, plus the remaining December 2026 dates. Every payment from January 2027 on includes the 3.6% COLA.
How your payment date is set
| Birthday | Paid on |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th of the month | Second Wednesday |
| 11th–20th | Third Wednesday |
| 21st–31st | Fourth Wednesday |
| Started benefits before May 1997, or get both Social Security and SSI | 3rd of the month |
| SSI only | 1st of the month (see SSI schedule) |
If a payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, Social Security pays on the business day before. For spouses and survivors, the birthday that counts is that of the worker whose record you’re paid on.
Social Security payment schedule 2027
| Month | 3rd-of-month group | Birthday 1st–10th | Birthday 11th–20th | Birthday 21st–31st |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dec 31, 2026 | Jan 13 | Jan 20 | Jan 27 |
| February | Feb 3 | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | Feb 24 |
| March | Mar 3 | Mar 10 | Mar 17 | Mar 24 |
| April | Apr 2 | Apr 14 | Apr 21 | Apr 28 |
| May | May 3 | May 12 | May 19 | May 26 |
| June | Jun 3 | Jun 9 | Jun 16 | Jun 23 |
| July | Jul 2 | Jul 14 | Jul 21 | Jul 28 |
| August | Aug 3 | Aug 11 | Aug 18 | Aug 25 |
| September | Sep 3 | Sep 8 | Sep 15 | Sep 22 |
| October | Oct 1 | Oct 13 | Oct 20 | Oct 27 |
| November | Nov 3 | Nov 10 | Nov 17 | Nov 24 |
| December | Dec 3 | Dec 8 | Dec 15 | Dec 22 |
Early 3rd-of-month payments in 2027: January (January 1 holiday, January 3 is a Sunday), April 2 (April 3 is a Saturday), July 2 (July 3 is a Saturday) and October 1 (October 3 is a Sunday).
Remaining December 2026 dates
December 3 (3rd-of-month group), December 9, December 16 and December 23. SSI is paid December 1 and again on December 31 (January’s payment). See December 2026 payment schedule.
How much will I get in 2027?
Benefits rise 3.6% starting with January 2027 payments. SSA estimates the average retirement benefit goes from $2,095 to $2,170 a month, and the average disabled-worker benefit from $1,642 to $1,701. The maximum benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age is $4,188 a month. Details: Social Security COLA 2027.
Still working? See the 2027 earnings limit.
Monthly guides
- Social Security payment schedule December 2026
- Social Security payment schedule January 2027
- SSI payment schedule 2027
- SSDI payment schedule 2027
Frequently asked questions
What day does Social Security pay in 2027?
The second, third or fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on your birthday. Or the 3rd of the month if you started before May 1997 or also get SSI.
What if my payment doesn’t arrive?
Wait three business days, then call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Can I change my payment date?
No. Your date is set by the rules above. You can’t choose a different day.
Sources: SSA Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments, SSA 2027 COLA Fact Sheet.
