SSA Sets 5 August 2026 Social Security Payment Dates for 70 Million Recipients
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Jul 21
SSA Sets 5 August 2026 Social Security Payment Dates for 70 Million Recipients
3 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Jul 21
Summary
July 31 starts the August 2026 payout cycle, with SSI sent a day early because Aug. 1 falls on a weekend.
Aug. 3 covers people who began Social Security before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI, while birth-date payments follow on Aug. 12, Aug. 19 and Aug. 26.
More than 70 million Americans rely on the monthly benefits; retired workers received an average $2,084.40 in June after a 2.8% cost-of-living increase took effect in 2026.
Three mailing days is the SSA's wait period before reporting a missing payment; recipients can then check my Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213.
2033 is the key longer-term risk point: CRFB says a newly retired dual-income couple could lose nearly $17,000 a year if the retirement trust fund is exhausted and benefits are cut 22%.