Some Arkansas residents who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see a change in their August payment schedule, though the amount of their monthly benefit will remain the same.
Because Aug. 1 falls on a Saturday, the Social Security Administration will issue August SSI payments on Friday, July 31.
The agency routinely sends payments on the previous business day whenever the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday.
SSI provides monthly benefits to older adults and people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
For 2026, the maximum monthly benefit is $994 for an eligible individual, $1,491 for an eligible couple and $498 for an essential person.
The early payment marks the fourth time this year that SSI recipients have received their monthly benefits before the first day of the month because of the calendar.
Similar schedule changes occurred at the beginning of the year when New Year’s Day and the first days of February and March affected the payment schedule.
Recipients will still receive their full monthly benefit despite the earlier payment date.
Other Social Security beneficiaries will continue receiving payments on their normal August schedule:
Aug. 3: People who began receiving benefits before May 1997 or who receive both Social Security and SSI.
Aug. 12: Birth dates between the 1st and 10th.
Aug. 19: Birth dates between the 11th and 20th.
Aug. 26: Birth dates between the 21st and 31st.
Additional payment schedule adjustments are also planned later this year.
SSI recipients will receive two payments in October because Nov. 1 falls on a Sunday, with the second payment serving as November’s benefit.
The same will occur in December, when recipients will receive a second payment on Dec. 31 for January 2027.
The Social Security Administration also continues its transition away from paper checks, encouraging beneficiaries to use direct deposit or other electronic payment methods.
Those who do not have a bank account may receive benefits through the Direct Express prepaid debit card program.
For more information about payment schedules or electronic payment options, visit ssa.gov or GoDirect.gov.
