Millions of Americans to Receive Higher Social Security Payments and New Schedule in 2026

Social Security recipients will receive higher monthly payments in 2026 as benefits are adjusted to reflect rising living costs. This increase is tied to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which ensures benefits keep pace with inflation.

For 2026, the COLA has been set at 2.8%, up from 2.5% in 2025. As a result, both Social Security retirement benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are increasing by 2.8%.

2026 COLA Increase: What It Means for Beneficiaries

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The 2.8% adjustment translates into noticeable monthly gains for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security and SSI.

• With the average Social Security benefit around $2,000, many beneficiaries will see an increase of about $56 per month in 2026.
• Retirees claiming benefits at full retirement age will receive up to $4,152 per month, compared with $4,018 in 2025.
• For those who delayed retirement until age 70, the maximum monthly benefit rises from $5,108 in 2025 to $5,251 in 2026.

Social Security Payment Schedule Explained

Social Security benefits are generally paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the beneficiary’s date of birth:

• Born 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday
• Born 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday
• Born 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday

January 2026 Payment Dates

• January 14: Birth dates 1st–10th
• January 21: Birth dates 11th–20th
• January 28: Birth dates 21st–31st
• January 30: SSI payment

Payments follow this same Wednesday-based schedule throughout most of 2026.

Special Payment Change in November 2026

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One exception occurs in November 2026. Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th will receive their Social Security payment on Tuesday, November 10, instead of Wednesday. This change is due to Veterans Day (November 11), which is a federal holiday.

SSI Benefit Increases for 2026

SSI recipients will also benefit from the 2.8% COLA increase:

• Individual SSI recipients: Monthly payment increases from $967 in 2025 to $994 in 2026
• Couples receiving SSI: Monthly benefit rises from $1,450 to $1,491

Because January 1 is a federal holiday, the first SSI payment reflecting the 2026 increase was issued early on December 31, 2025.

Complete Social Security and SSI Payment Calendar for 2026

January 2026

• Jan 14: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Jan 21: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Jan 28: Social Security (21st–31st)
• Jan 30: SSI

February 2026

• Feb 11: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Feb 18: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Feb 25: Social Security (21st–31st)
• Feb 27: SSI

March 2026

• Mar 11: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Mar 18: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Mar 25: Social Security (21st–31st)

April 2026

• Apr 1: SSI
• Apr 8: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Apr 15: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Apr 22: Social Security (21st–31st)

May 2026

• May 1: SSI
• May 13: Social Security (1st–10th)
• May 20: Social Security (11th–20th)
• May 27: Social Security (21st–31st)

June 2026

• Jun 1: SSI
• Jun 10: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Jun 17: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Jun 24: Social Security (21st–31st)

July 2026

• Jul 1: SSI
• Jul 8: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Jul 15: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Jul 22: Social Security (21st–31st)
• Jul 31: SSI

August 2026

• Aug 12: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Aug 19: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Aug 26: Social Security (21st–31st)

September 2026

• Sep 1: SSI
• Sep 9: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Sep 16: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Sep 23: Social Security (21st–31st)

October 2026

• Oct 1: SSI
• Oct 14: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Oct 21: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Oct 28: Social Security (21st–31st)
• Oct 30: SSI

November 2026

• Nov 10: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Nov 18: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Nov 25: Social Security (21st–31st)

December 2026

• Dec 1: SSI
• Dec 9: Social Security (1st–10th)
• Dec 16: Social Security (11th–20th)
• Dec 23: Social Security (21st–31st)
• Dec 31: SSI

Calendar Quirks and Double SSI Payments in 2026

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Several SSI payment timing adjustments will occur in 2026 due to weekends and holidays:

• February 1, March 1, August 1, and November 1 fall on weekends, so SSI payments will be issued earlier than usual.
• July 2026 will include two SSI payments—on July 1 and July 31—because August 1 falls on a Saturday.
• October 2026 will also feature two SSI payments, on October 1 and October 30.
• December 2026 marks the final double-payment month, with SSI checks issued on December 1 and December 31.

The 2.8% COLA increase for 2026 provides meaningful financial relief for Social Security and SSI beneficiaries as inflation continues to affect everyday costs.

With higher monthly payments, adjusted maximum benefit amounts, and a detailed payment schedule, recipients can better plan their finances for the year ahead.

While most payments will follow the standard Wednesday schedule, being aware of calendar quirks—especially for SSI recipients—can help avoid confusion and ensure timely budgeting throughout 2026.

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