India, Feb. 18 -- Over 71 million Americans depend on Social Security benefits every month to cover essential expenses. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, millions of recipients will receive their next scheduled payment which reflects the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a clear payment schedule each month in February 2026. Payments go out to retirees, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients and survivor beneficiaries based on their birth dates and when they first started receiving benefits.

Social Security is the largest federal benefit program in the United States, helping retirees, disabled workers, survivors of deceased workers and low-income seniors. Retir...