Why SSI Payments Are Sent Late In March And April

Many Americans who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may notice what seems like a late or missing payment in March 2026 and unusual timing in April. However, this is not a delay. It is caused by the official Social Security Administration (SSA) payment calendar rules.

How SSI Payment Dates Work

SSI benefits are normally issued on the first day of each month. If the first day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the payment is sent on the previous business day. This ensures beneficiaries receive their funds without interruption.

Why March 2026 Payments Appear Late

In 2026, March 1 falls on a Sunday. Because of this, the SSA will issue the March SSI payment early, on Friday, February 27, 2026.

This creates three important effects:

• Beneficiaries receive two payments in February 2026
• There is no payment issued during March
• The next regular payment arrives on April 1, 2026

Although it may feel like a delay, recipients still receive the correct number of payments for the year.

SSI Payment Schedule (Early 2026)

Benefit Month	Scheduled Date	Actual Payment Date	Reason
January 2026	Jan 1, 2026	Dec 31, 2025	Holiday shift
February 2026	Feb 1, 2026	Jan 30, 2026	Weekend shift
March 2026	Mar 1, 2026	Feb 27, 2026	Weekend shift
April 2026	Apr 1, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	Normal schedule

Updated SSI Benefit Amounts for 2026

• Maximum individual SSI payment: $994 per month
• Maximum couple SSI payment: $1,491 per month
• Average SSI benefit: Around $737 per month

These amounts are not reduced when payment dates shift.

SSI payments in March and April 2026 are not actually late. The March benefit is simply issued early because March 1 falls on a Sunday.

This results in two February payments and no March deposit, followed by a normal April 1 payment. Understanding this SSI payment schedule adjustment helps beneficiaries plan their monthly budgets without confusion.

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