When Social Security checks will arrive in May 2026. See benefits schedule

May Social Security benefits are slated to be sent out soon, with payments following a normal schedule.

The Social Security Administration typically pays benefits on Wednesdays. The first wave of payments will be sent on the second Wednesday of the month, May 13, with subsequent payments going out on the third (May 20) and fourth (May 27) Wednesdays, according to the SSA’s calendar.

Those who get Supplemental Security Income checks will receive their May 2026 checks on Friday, May 1.

In Rhode Island, more than 241,000 people rely on Social Security payments every month, according to Congressional Statistics from December 2024. Nearly 71 million Americans get Social Security, and 7.4 million get SSI, according to January 2026 numbers from the Social Security Administration.

A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) took effect in January, meaning recipients should be getting at least $56 more per month, on average.

Here’s what to know about this year’s Social Security benefits.

Social Security payment schedule for May 2026

The Social Security Administration’s yearly distribution schedule for 2026 is available online for recipients to use for budgeting purposes.

Regular Social Security retirement benefits are slated to be distributed on the SSA’s usual schedule based on birth date:

• Wednesday, May 13: Birth dates between the first and 10th of the month.

• Wednesday, May 20: Birth dates between the 11th and 20th of the month.

• Wednesday, May 27: Birth dates between the 21st and 31st of the month.

Those who began getting benefits before May 1997 will be paid on Friday, May 1.

Recipients of Supplemental Security Income checks will also be issued their May payments on Friday, May 1.

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income provides monthly benefits to those with limited income or resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. Children with a qualifying disability can also get SSI, according to the SSA’s website.

Adults who qualify for SSI generally do not have monthly wages above $2,073.

Those eligible for SSI can begin the application process online, in person at your local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time during the work week.

SSI payment schedule for 2026

SSI checks will be sent out on the following dates in 2026, according to the SSA calendar:

• Friday, May 1, 2026: May 2026 payment

• Monday, June 1, 2026: June 2026 payment

• Wednesday, July 1, 2026: July 2026 payment

• Friday, July 31, 2026: August 2026 payment

• Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026: September 2026 payment

• Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026: October 2026 payment

• Friday, Oct. 30, 2026: November 2026 payment

• Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026: December 2026 payment

What do I do if my scheduled payment date passes without payment?

The Social Security Administration suggests that if you don’t receive your payment on the expected date, allow three additional mailing days before contacting the agency. Most will arrive on time because 99% of beneficiaries are paid electronically.

Where is a Social Security office in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, there are five Social Security offices. Here’s where:

• 380 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02903.

• 4 Pleasant St., Pawtucket, RI 02860.

• 30 Quaker Ln., Warwick, RI 02886.

• 130 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 02840.

• 2168 Diamond Hill Rd, Woonsocket, RI 02895.

There’s also one Disability Determination Service office and one Remote Hearing Site in Rhode Island. To find the one closest to you, use the Social Security Office Locato

When can you start collecting Social Security?

Everyone can start receiving reduced Social Security benefits as early as age 62. However, waiting until full retirement age results in a larger monthly payment. That age has gradually increased in recent years, rising by two months for each successive birth year.

For example, if you were born in 1958, your full retirement age is 66 years and 8 months, while those born in 1959 reach it at 66 years and 10 months. For anyone born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67.

You can calculate your full retirement age on the SSA website.

Mike Snider of USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: When to expect your Social Security check in May