Patrick
Understanding when Social Security and SSI payments arrive is essential for seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income households who depend on monthly benefits.
With holidays influencing the schedule, and a new 2.8% COLA increase on the way, millions of Americans will see important payout adjustments heading into 2026.
How Social Security Payments Are Scheduled
The Social Security Administration distributes retirement and disability benefits based on a beneficiary’s birth date. This long-standing system divides payments into three categories:
Payment Dates Based on Birthdays
- Those born between the 1st and 10th receive their benefit on the second Wednesday of each month.
- Individuals born from the 11th to the 20th are paid on the third Wednesday.
- People born between the 21st and 31st collect benefits on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
These payment cycles remain consistent throughout the year unless a major holiday affects processing schedules.
How SSI Payment Dates Work
Unlike Social Security retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follows a different system. SSI payments—for low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and blind individuals—are normally issued on the first day of each month.
However, when the first lands on a weekend or federal holiday, payments shift to the closest previous business day.
Recent and Upcoming SSI Payment Adjustments
In November, the first fell on a Saturday, so SSI beneficiaries received their payments early, on Friday, Oct. 31.
December will also see changes:
- Dec. 1, 2025 — Regular SSI payment
- Dec. 31, 2025 — January’s SSI payment issued early because Jan. 1, 2026 is a federal holiday
This means SSI recipients will get two payments in December and then no payment until Jan. 30, 2026, which represents the February 2026 benefit, as Feb. 1, 2026 falls on a Sunday.
2026 COLA Increase: What Beneficiaries Can Expect
A 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will go into effect in 2026 to help offset rising expenses.
Who Will Receive the Increase?
- Over 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the higher amount in their January 2026 payment.
- About 7.5 million SSI recipients will experience the increase earlier — in their Dec. 31, 2025 payment.
For the average recipient, the adjustment will raise benefits by approximately $56 per month.
Payment schedules for Social Security and SSI can shift when holidays or weekends fall on distribution dates, making it essential for beneficiaries to stay informed. With two SSI payments arriving in December and none in early January, families should plan ahead.
Additionally, the 2.8% COLA increase for 2026 will bring meaningful financial relief, affecting tens of millions of Americans. Understanding these updates ensures beneficiaries can manage their finances confidently and prepare for the year ahead.
FAQs
Why will SSI recipients get two payments in December 2025?
Because Jan. 1, 2026 is a federal holiday, SSI will issue January’s benefit early on Dec. 31, 2025, resulting in two December payments.
When will the 2026 COLA increase appear in my benefits?
Social Security beneficiaries will see the COLA boost in January 2026, while SSI recipients will receive it on Dec. 31, 2025.
What is the amount of the 2026 COLA increase?
The 2.8% COLA increase adds about $56 per month for the average beneficiary.