When do Social Security and SSI benefits go out in October 2026? The complete payment schedule
Per the Social Security Administration’s official schedule for October 2026, the agency has completed two out of five payment runs this month, as it issues benefits for the following programs in the United States:
- Social Security (retirement, disability and survivor)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Who has been paid Social Security/SSI so far in October?
- October 1: SSI beneficiaries
On Thursday, October 1, the SSA sent out this month’s payments for the SSI program. A benefit for low-income individuals who are over 65 or have a disability, SSI is worth a monthly average of $738.73, per the SSA.
A scheme with 7.3 million beneficiaries, SSI is separate to the Social Security program. Unlike Social Security, whose applicants must earn work credits to qualify, eligibility for SSI does not depend on a claimant’s employment record.
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- October 2: Dual beneficiaries/some long-term Social Security recipients
On Friday, October 2, the SSA issued Social Security benefits to people who have been receiving their monthly payments since before May 1997. October 2 was also this month’s Social Security distribution date for beneficiaries who concurrently claim SSI.
These two groups of Social Security recipients are typically paid a day later, but distribution was brought forward as October 3 was a non-working day.
When does October’s three-Wednesdays cycle kick in?
Of the U.S.’s 71.5 million Social Security beneficiaries, most get their money on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month. Their allocated payment day is decided by their date of birth.
In October, the SSA’s three-Wednesdays Social Security cycle kicks off next week:
- Born on 1st-10th of any month: Social Security paid on Wednesday, October 14
- Born on 11th-20th of any month: Social Security paid on Wednesday, October 21
- Born on 21st-31st of any month: Social Security paid on Wednesday, October 28
NB: If you receive Social Security benefits based on someone else’s work history, the SSA uses the other person’s birthday.
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How much are monthly Social Security benefits?
- Retirement: $2,033.27
- Disability: $1,498.94
- Survivor: $1,635.70
(Average benefit, per figures published by the SSA.)
COLA announcement imminent
On October 14, the SSA is expected to confirm its latest annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), a measure that affects both Social Security and SSI benefits.
According to the most recent projection by experts at the Senior Citizens League, the agency is set to increase monthly payments by 3.5% from January 2027. This would be the largest COLA hike since 2023.
How does the Social Security Administration pay out benefits?
- Money can be transferred into a Social Security or SSI beneficiary’s bank account by direct deposit
- Benefits can be paid onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for recipients without a bank account
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