Social Security is being paid out on Wednesday, August 26: who gets benefits?
Across the United States, certain Social Security recipients are to get their latest monthly payment this week, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) completes its three-Wednesdays distribution cycle for August 2026.
Who receives Social Security on Wednesday, August 26?
Of the just over 71 million recipients of Social Security benefits in the U.S., many are issued their money on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month, depending on their date of birth. As August 26 is this month’s fourth Wednesday, payments are to be made to recipients born from the 21st to the 31st of any month.
The complete three-Wednesdays schedule for August 2026 is:
- Born on 1st-10th of month: paid on Wednesday, August 12
- Born on 11th-20th of month: paid on Wednesday, August 19
- Born on 21st-31st of month: paid on Wednesday, August 26
NB: If you claim Social Security benefits based on someone else’s work history, the SSA uses the other person’s birthday.
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What other Social Security payment dates does August have?
- Monday, August 3: Benefits paid out to certain long-standing recipients
Individuals who have began receiving their Social Security benefits before May 1997 were paid on August 3, no matter their birthday.
- Monday, August 3: Benefits paid out to recipients who also get SSI
Monday 3 was also August’s Social Security payment date for beneficiaries who combine the program with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a benefit for certain low-income, low-resource people in the U.S. August’s SSI was distributed on Friday, July 31.
SSI is normally paid out on the first day of each month, but was issued 24 hours early because August 1 fell on a weekend.
How much are monthly Social Security benefits?
- Retirement: $2,031.74
- Disability: $1,498.43
- Survivor: $1,634.61
(Average monthly benefit, per stats shared by the SSA.)
How does the Social Security Admin pay benefits?
- Direct deposit
Social Security recipients can supply the SSA with their bank details via the agency’s online my Social Security tool.
- Direct Express
Benefits can be paid onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for recipients who do not have a bank account. Sign up for Direct Express at 1-800-333-1795 or 1-800-772-1213, or at a Social Security office.
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