Overview
- Retirees who began benefits after May 1997 and were born on the 1st–10th receive March payments today, with later rounds on March 18 (birthdays 11–20) and March 25 (21st–end of month).
- Those who started benefits before May 1997, or who receive both Social Security and SSI, were paid on March 3 under the standing distribution rules.
- SSI for March was issued early on Feb. 27 because March 1 fell on a Sunday, so no SSI checks arrive this month; the next SSI payment is due April 1, with up to $994 for individual recipients.
- For 2026, benefits reflect a 2.8% cost‑of‑living increase and a higher maximum taxable earnings cap of $184,500 published by the SSA.
- Monthly amounts vary widely based on the 35 highest-earning years and the claiming age, and outlets report differing 2026 maximums, including $4,873, $5,108 and $5,251.