Social Security checks go out August 26. Will you get paid?

Key Points:

• The third and final wave of Social Security payments for August will be distributed on Wednesday, August 26, to beneficiaries born between the 21st and the last day of their birth month, following the usual payment schedule.
• Social Security benefits are generally paid on Wednesdays, with payments scheduled based on recipients' birthdates: those born 1st-10th receive payments on the second Wednesday, 11th-20th on the third Wednesday, and after the 20th on the fourth Wednesday.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are typically issued on the first business day of the month; however, in August 2026, the payment was sent on July 31 because August 1 fell on a Saturday.
• Social Security faces a funding shortfall as early as 2032, potentially resulting in a 28% cut in monthly benefits if Congress does not act, prompting various proposals including one to cap annual benefits at $100,000.
• The full 2026 payment schedules for both Social Security and SSI have been released by the SSA, providing recipients with clear dates for upcoming payments.