Social Security Group 1 Direct Deposit: 2026 schedule and direct deposit info

New York, 10 December 2025, Social Security Group 1 Direct Deposit: The Social Security Administration (SSA) in the US provides monthly financial assistance to millions of retirees, disabled people, and other beneficiaries. In 2026, a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will apply to Social Security benefits, increasing them. For example, the average retirement benefit will rise from $2,008 to $2,064. These increased benefits will start in January 2026. Receiving Social Security benefits via direct deposit is mandatory since paper checks will be discontinued after 30 September 2025.

This means all beneficiaries will need to choose electronic payment through a bank account or a Direct Express card. Direct deposit is secure, fast, and convenient, and eligibility is available for all beneficiaries.

Social security benefits are distributed in groups based on date of birth. The main groups are as follows:

• Group A (birthdates 1 to 10): Payment on the second Wednesday of the month.
• Group B (birthdates 11 to 20): on the third Wednesday.
• Group C (birth dates 21 to 31): on the fourth Wednesday.
• Group zero or Group 1 (benefits started before May 1997 or receiving both Social Security + SSI): Social Security on the 3rd, SSI on the 1st (if it’s a holiday, then the previous business day).

Group 1 Direct Deposit:
This is mainly for benefits that started before May 1997 or for dual beneficiaries.

Eligibility for direct deposit:
You must be a US citizen or legal resident and an SSA-approved beneficiary. You can register by signing in or calling 1-800-333-1795. In 2026, all Group 1 beneficiaries will be required to use direct deposit, otherwise benefits may be delayed.

Below is a detailed schedule for each month of 2026. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is received on the 1st, but if it’s a holiday, you get it earlier. Social Security payments are on Wednesday or on the 3rd, and if it’s a weekend/holiday, then on the previous business day.

January 2026 social security payments

January 2026 is a special month for social security benefits because a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will take effect from this month. This will increase the average retirement benefit from $2,008 to $2,064. These increased benefits will be received via direct deposit. SSI payment due on 1 January (Thursday, New Year’s Day holiday) will be received on 31 December 2025 (Friday). Group 1 (3rd): since 3 January (Saturday), it will be on 2 January (Friday). Other groups:

• Group A: 14 January (second Wednesday).
• Group B: 21 January (third Wednesday)
• Group C: 28 January (fourth Wednesday).

These payments will be deposited in the bank at the end of the business day via direct deposit. Even though MLK Day (January 19, Monday) is a holiday, the payments won’t be affected as they are on Wednesday. If you’re in Group 1 and haven’t registered for direct deposit yet, go to ssa.gov immediately.

February 2026 social security payments

The COLA increase will continue in February 2026, resulting in higher profits. SSI: Since 1 February is a Sunday, it will be received on 30 January (Friday). Group 1: On 3 February (Tuesday). Others:

• Group A: 11 February (second Wednesday).
• Group B: 18 February (third Wednesday).
• Group C: 25 February (fourth Wednesday).

Even though Washington’s birthday (16 February, Monday) is a holiday, Wednesday payments are secure. Since direct deposit is mandatory, all beneficiaries should use a bank account or Direct Express card. If the payment is delayed, wait 3 days and then contact the SSA (1-800-772-1213). This schedule follows the SSA’s official timetable.

March 2026 social security payments

Since SSI 1 March (Sunday) falls in March 2026, it will be available on 27 February (Friday). Group 1 (on the 3rd): on 3 March (Tuesday). Other groups:

• Group A: 11 March (second Wednesday).
• Group B: 18 March (third Wednesday).
• Group C: 25 March (fourth Wednesday).

These payments will be deposited in the bank overnight via direct deposit. Since the COLA increase hasn’t been applied, the March payment will be the same as January.

April 2026 Direct Deposit Eligibility

Direct deposit eligibility will remain open for everyone in April 2026. If you haven’t registered yet, sign in or call the SSA website immediately. With paper checks being discontinued, any delayed beneficiaries from April will have a Direct Express card. SSI: 1 April (Wednesday). Group 1: 3 April (Friday). Others:

• Group A: 8 April.
• Group B: 15 April.
• Group C: 22 April.

May 2026 social security payments

May 2026 payments will be 2.8% higher as per COLA increase. SSI: 1 May (Friday). Group 1: 3 May (Sunday), so on 1 May (Friday). Others:

• Group A: 13 May
• Group B: 20 May
• Group C: 27 May

Payments via direct deposit will be credited at the end of the business day. If the payment is delayed by 3 days, contact SSA.

June 2026 social security payments

There are no holidays in June. SSI: 1 June (Monday). Group 1: 3 June (Tuesday). Others:

• Group A: 10 June.
• Group B: 17 June.
• Group C: 24 June.

Group 1 direct deposit payments will be credited on the 3rd as usual.

July 2026 social security payments

Even though there is a holiday on July 4 (Independence Day), payments will not be affected. SSI: July 1 (Wednesday). Group 1: July 3 (Friday). Others:

• Group A: 8 July.
• Group B: 15 July.
• Group C: 22 July.

August 2026 direct deposit payment eligibility

Direct deposit eligibility still valid in August 2026, and all beneficiaries need a bank account. If you are in Group 1, the option is available through a Direct Express card. SSI: 1 August (Saturday) so 31 July (Friday). Group 1: 3 August (Monday). Others:

• Group A: 12 August.
• Group B: 19 August.
• Group C: 26 August.

September 2026 social security payments

Holiday on September 7 (Labour Day), but payments are okay since they are on Wednesday. SSI: September 1 (Tuesday). Group 1: September 3 (Thursday). Others:

• Group A: 9 September.
• Group B: 16 September.
• Group C: 23 September

October 2026 social security payments

October 12 (Columbus Day) Monday, no effect. SSI: October 1 (Thursday). Group 1: October 3 (Saturday) so October 2 (Friday). Others:

• Group A: 14 October.
• Group B: 21 October
• Group C: 28 October

November 2026 social security payments

November 11 (Veterans Day) is Wednesday, but payments have different dates. SSI: Since 1 November (Sunday), it will be 30 October (Friday). Group 1: 3 November (Tuesday). Others:

• Group A: 11 November.
• Group B: 18 November.
• Group C: 25 November.

December 2026 social security payments

December 25 (Christmas) holiday. SSI: 1 December (Tuesday). Group 1: 3 December (Thursday). Others:

• Group A: 9 December.
• Group B: 16 December.
• Group C: 23 December.

November payments might be received at the beginning of December if there are holidays.

Video Credit: @FinancialFastLane

Conclusion

Since social security payments are going digital in 2026, you need to sign up for direct deposit. For more info, visit ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. This schedule is based on SSA’s official guidelines. If your payment is delayed, wait three days and then get in touch.