When are Social Security and SSI benefits paid in September 2026? Complete payment schedule
Per the U.S. agency’s official schedule for September, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has just one payment run remaining this month, as it distributes benefits for the following programs:
September 2026’s three-Wednesdays cycle: status update
Many of the U.S.’s Social Security beneficiaries are paid on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month, depending on their date of birth.
In September, this birthday-dependent distribution cycle concludes next Wednesday, marking the completion of the SSA’s benefits schedule for this month:
NB: If you claim Social Security based on someone else’s work record, the SSA uses the other person’s date of birth.
What other payment dates were there in September?
Before September’s three-Wednesdays cycle began on the 9th, the SSA completed two further distribution dates, according to the agency’s payment calendar:
- September 1: SSI benefits paid out
On Tuesday, September 1, the SSA sent out this month’s Supplemental Security Income benefits.
A program for low-income individuals who are over 65 or have a disability, SSI is separate to the Social Security scheme. Unlike Social Security, whose claimants must accumulate work credits to qualify, eligibility for SSI does not depend on a recipient’s employment history.
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- September 3: Social Security paid to twin recipients/some long-term beneficiaries
On Thursday, September 3, the SSA issued this month’s Social Security payments to beneficiaries who began receiving their monthly money before May 1997.
September 3 was also this month’s Social Security payment date for recipients who simultaneously claim SSI.
How much are monthly Social Security and SSI benefits?
- Social Security retirement: $2,031.74
- Social Security disability: $1,498.43
- Social Security survivor: $1,634.61
- SSI: $736.54
(Average benefit, per stats shared by the SSA.)
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How does the Social Security Admin pay benefits?
- Money can be transferred into a beneficiary’s bank account by direct deposit
- Benefits can be paid onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for recipients who do not have a bank account
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