What is the SSDI Payment Schedule? (UPDATED FOR 2026)

Until 1997, Social Security benefits were paid on the 3rd of each month. That was true whether you were receiving retirement benefits or Social Security disability benefits (SSDI). Now, the date that your disability pay arrives depends on the type of benefit you receive and your birth date.  

The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes payments for several different programs. A disabled person may receive SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or both. SSDI benefits are based on your work history, just like your Social Security retirement benefits. SSI is a needs-based program that is administered by the SSA but is funded separately. 

2026 Update: In 2026, SSDI and SSI recipients will also see a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This increase helps benefits keep pace with inflation, raising the average SSDI monthly payment by approximately $56, bringing it to around $2,071 per month for the typical recipient.

Here’s what you can expect if you are receiving SSDI, SSI or both.

SSDI Disability Payment Schedule

If you started receiving SSDI benefits after 1997, your birthday will determine the date you receive your payment. Under the current Social Security disability payment schedule, f your birthday falls between:

• 1st-10th of a month, SSDI checks or direct deposit will arrive on the second Wednesday of every month.
• 11th-20th of a month, SSDI checks or direct deposit will arrive on the third Wednesday of every month.
• 21st-31st of a month, SSDI checks or direct deposit will arrive on the fourth Wednesday of every month. 

If you received benefits before 1997, your SSDI payment date will be on the third day of the month.

2026 Update: The above schedule remains correct. Below is a graph showing the 2026 SSDI payment dates by birth date.

SSI Payment Schedule

While SSDI payment dates are spread throughout the month based on your birth date, all SSI payments are made on the first day of the month. If the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, your SSI payment is issued on the last business day before the holiday.

If you receive both SSI and SSDI, your payments will be made separately according to these schedules.

2026 Update: Recipients may occasionally receive two payments in one month due to weekends/holidays, similar to previous years. For example, if the 1st falls on a Saturday, and the next payment is scheduled for the 3rd (for pre-1997 SSDI), adjustments may occur.

How Does the SSA Treat Weekends and Holidays? 

Since most SSDI payment dates fall on Wednesdays, that payment schedule is generally not disrupted by federal holidays, and those dates obviously never fall on Saturday or Sunday. That’s not true for SSI payments, which are scheduled for the first of the month, nor for those SSDI payments that are made on the third day of the month. 

When the first or third day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, those payments are made on the last regular business day before the scheduled payment date.

2026 Example: SSI recipients may receive one payment on August 1st and another on August 29th, because the 30th and 31st fall on a weekend, and September 1st is Labor Day

SSDI and SSI Combined Payments Schedule

If you receive SSDI and SSI payments together, you will receive your SSI payment on the first day of the month and your SSDI payment on the third of the month. 

2026 Update: The combined schedule remains the same. Adjustments for holidays/weekends are automatic.

How Long Does it Take to Receive SSDI Payments? 

How long it takes to receive your monthly benefits and back pay after you’ve been approved for SSDI benefits varies. Most recipients start getting benefits one to two months after approval, and back pay usually arrives during that same time frame. But, the SSA says it may take three to five months to receive back pay, and some claimants report receiving it within just a few weeks. 

If you apply for SSDI immediately upon becoming disabled and your claim is approved quickly, you may have to wait a little longer. That’s because there is a five month waiting period between onset of your disability and the time you become eligible for benefits. So, for example, if you become disabled in January and are approved for benefits in April, you’ll have to wait a few months for your benefits to kick in.

You won’t have to guess at this, though. Your SSDI award letter will include a “date of entitlement,” which is the first month you will be eligible to receive benefits. If you don’t start receiving benefits on schedule, you should contact the SSA for help.

How to Receive Your SSDI and SSI Payments

Social Security offers several ways to send your SSDI or SSI payments. 

For example: 

• Direct Deposit is probably the safest way to receive your disability payments since they cannot be lost or stolen if deposited directly into your bank account. 
• The Direct Express Card program, which credits money directly to a swipe-able card.
• Paper Checks: Still available for SSDI, but less secure. SSI must be received electronically.

Tax on Social Security Benefits

You may have to pay taxes on SSDI depending on your income level. In 2026, SSDI income, like Social Security retirement income, is taxable only if the total of your other income plus 50% of your Social Security income exceeds:

• $25,000 if your tax filing status is single, head of household, qualifying surviving spouse, or married filing separately and have lived apart from your spouse for the full year
• $32,000 for married couples filing jointly
• $0 for married couples filing separately who lived together at any point during the tax year

SSI income is not taxable.

Social Security doesn’t automatically withhold taxes, but does offer voluntary tax withholding from your benefit.  You can choose this option by completing Form W-4V.  There are specific percentages to choose from.  You can obtain the form from Social Security, request it from the IRS, or ask your representative for a copy. 

Generally, you would receive a refund when filing taxes the following year if you opted to voluntarily have taxes withheld and you overpaid.

2026 Update: Tax rules remain consistent, thresholds generally adjust for inflation each year, so always check with the IRS for annual updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions (2026 SSDI & SSI Payments)

When will I receive my SSDI payment in 2026?

Payment depends on your birth date if you started receiving benefits after 1997:

• 1st–10th → 2nd Wednesday of the month
• 11th–20th → 3rd Wednesday of the month
• 21st–31st → 4th Wednesday of the month
  If you started receiving benefits before 1997, your payment is on the 3rd of the month.

What is the 2026 SSDI Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)?

SSDI and SSI benefits increase by 2.8% in 2026. This ensures your benefits keep pace with inflation. The average Social Security check in 2026 is expected to be around $2,071 per month

How are payments affected by holidays or weekends?

If a scheduled payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, SSA issues the payment on the last business day before the holiday. This may result in two payments in one month or a slight delay in the following month.

Can I receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time?

Yes. SSI is paid on the first of the month, and SSDI is paid according to your birth date (or the 3rd of the month if you started before 1997). Payments are separate but coordinated by SSA.

How can I make sure I receive my payments safely?

The safest methods are:

• Direct Deposit: money goes directly into your bank account
• Direct Express Card: a prepaid, swipeable card
  Paper checks are still available for SSDI, but are less secure, and SSI must be received electronically.

Learn More Here:

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• Does Hashimoto’s Disease Qualify for Disability Benefits? 
• Can I Lose My Disability Benefits?
• Can’t Work Due to Anxiety and Depression
• What Medical Conditions Are Considered Disabling