Government pay dates are the one part of US payroll that is genuinely published in advance. Federal agencies, the military and most states release a full-year calendar.
Federal civilian employees
Most federal civilian staff are paid bi-weekly, on the Friday following the end of a two-week pay period.
When that Friday is a federal holiday, the deposit moves to the Thursday before it.
Military pay
Active duty pay runs on a semi-monthly cycle, on the 1st and the 15th. If either date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment moves to the preceding business day.
State employees
State payroll varies widely. Some states pay bi-weekly, others semi-monthly, and a few still run monthly cycles for salaried staff.
Each state comptroller or treasurer publishes the official calendar, and that document beats anything you read here.
Social Security and benefit dates
Benefit payment dates follow their own rules based on birth date and claim type, not on employer payroll cycles. They are covered separately.
Always verify
We link to the official calendar wherever one is published. If a date matters for a bill, open that official source and confirm it.
Last reviewed: September 2026