March brings an important adjustment to the Social Security payment schedule that millions of beneficiaries should be aware of. Although most deposits will be sent on the usual dates, one of the most important payments will arrive earlier than expected. Here we explain who gets paid, when, and why during the third month of 2026.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) organizes its payment schedule according to the type of benefit and, in many cases, the beneficiary's date of birth. In March 2026, the main change affects Supplemental Security Income, better known as SSI.

SSI Payment in March 2026

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is normally paid on the 1st of each month. However, when that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSA moves the deposit to the previous business day.

Since March 1, 2026, falls on a Sunday, the payment will be sent on Friday, February 27.

This adjustment does not represent an extra payment; it simply corresponds to the March benefit paid early.

The SSI program is intended for people 65 years of age or older, or those with disabilities, who have limited income and resources. Currently, it benefits more than 7 million people in the United States.

In 2026, the maximum federal payment is:

This year includes a 2.8% increase due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Some states offer an additional supplement to the federal payment. The amount depends on the beneficiary's place of residence and circumstances.

Retirement, SSDI, and Survivor Payments in March 2026

Retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor payments are distributed based on the worker's date of birth. Most beneficiaries receive their money on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month. The schedule for March is as follows: There is one important exception: people who started receiving benefits before May 1997 do not follow the Wednesday system.These beneficiaries receive their respective money on March 3rd, regardless of their date of birth.

What if you receive SSI and Social Security?

Some people receive both benefits. In that case, the payments are delivered separately. Speaking of March, this is how those funds would be distributed:

It's important to check your bank account on each of those dates.

The SSA indicates that “in most cases” it no longer sends paper checks. Payments are made via direct deposit or through the Direct Express card for those who don't have a bank account.

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