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. Feb 18 Social Security: Eligibility, payment dates and new 2.8% COLA (REUTERS (Representational Image) ) 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. Retirement payments are based on a person’s lifetime earnings and work history. In simple terms, people who earned more over the years usually receive higher monthly payments. Choosing when to claim also matters, starting benefits at age 62 lowers the monthly amount, while waiting until age 70 increases it. Who is eligible for the February 18, 2026 pay? …