May 2026 Social Security payment update: Who will get paid on Wednesday, May 27?

The Social Security Administration will complete its last round of payments for the month on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, sending Social Security benefits to millions of Americans born between the 21st and 31st of each month.

Who is eligible for today’s payments?

Beneficiaries born 21-31 of each month who enrolled after May 1997.

The installment plan is divided into three groups:

Recipients born between the 1st and 10th receive payments on the second Wednesday of the month.

Those born between the 11th and 20th are paid on the third Wednesday.

Recipients born between the 21st and 31st receive payouts on the fourth Wednesday.

The last payment round is scheduled for Wednesday (May 27) for recipients born between the 21st and 31st.

Special payment rules for some recipients

People who started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 follow a different payment schedule. These recipients typically receive benefits on the third day of each month unless the date falls on a weekend or federal holiday.

Individuals who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) typically receive SSI payments on the first day of the month and Social Security payments on the third day.

The next SSI payment is scheduled for Monday (June 1), while Social Security payments for long-term recipients and dual SSI recipients are due on Wednesday (June 3).

All about Social Security payments

Social Security benefits are primarily intended for retirees and older adults. The Social Security Administration also provides support to people with limited income or resources, seniors age 65 and older, individuals who are blind or disabled, and eligible children with disabilities.

The maximum monthly Social Security benefit varies significantly depending on your retirement age. The highest possible benefit of $5,181 per month is only available to individuals who consistently earn at or above the taxable maximum income and defer claiming until age 70.

Those who retire later have higher maximum benefits. For 2026, those who retired at age 62 have a maximum benefit of $2,969, while those awaiting full retirement age (67) have a maximum benefit of $4,152 and those who retired at age 70 have a maximum benefit of $5,181, according to the Social Security Administration.