The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that it is "implementing stronger identity verification procedures" to prevent fraud after a leaked memo earlier this week detailed the plans.

Keeping up with Social Security lately feels like trying to follow a plot twist every week. Recent updates—from shifting policies to behind-the-scenes changes—aren't just bureaucratic noise.

Check the February 2026 Social Security payment schedule, early SSI dates, 2.8% COLA increase and key tax changes affecting retirees.

Here's when Social Security and SSI checks arrive for February, how much benefits have risen and what new tax and repayment rules mean in 2026.

Find out when SSI and Social Security retirement and disability benefits arrive in March 2026, plus COLA and tax changes.