Hailey
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has unveiled its 2026 payment schedule and announced a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) starting in January 2026.
With these changes, retirees, disability beneficiaries, and SSI recipients will want to review the calendar and benefit amounts to ensure proper planning for the year ahead.
What’s New for January 2026
Because January 1 2026 falls on a federal holiday, the SSA is adjusting payment dates accordingly. For instance, standard SSI recipients will receive their January 2026 payment on December 31, 2025 — essentially getting the check a day earlier.
Meanwhile, Social Security retirement and disability (SSDI) payments are scheduled for January 14, 21 and 28, depending on the recipient’s birth-date group.
How the Monthly Payment Schedule Works
- If you began receiving benefits before May 1997 or you receive both Social Security + SSI, your payments generally follow the “3rd Wednesday” for Social Security and “1st of the month” for SSI schedule.
- For most current beneficiaries who began receiving benefits May 1997 or later, payments are distributed:
- 2nd Wednesday: for birth dates 1-10
- 3rd Wednesday: for birth dates 11-20
- 4th Wednesday: for birth dates 21-31
- If a scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the payment is made on the previous business day.
COLA & Benefit Amounts for January 2026
With the 2.8% COLA for 2026:
- SSI federal maximum monthly benefit will increase to $994 for an eligible individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple (starting with the December 31, 2025 payment that covers January).
- The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit will increase by about 2.8% beginning with the January 2026 payment.
- Recipients should check their personal account to see the exact new amount for their benefit.
January 2026 Key Payment Dates & Amounts
| Recipient Type | Key Date(s) for January 2026 Payment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard SSI recipients | Dec 31, 2025 | Payment for January 2026 arrives early |
| Social Security (birth date 1-10) | Jan 14, 2026 | 2nd Wednesday of January |
| Social Security (birth date 11-20) | Jan 21, 2026 | 3rd Wednesday of January |
| Social Security (birth date 21-31) | Jan 28, 2026 | 4th Wednesday of January |
| Pre-May 1997 recipients or SSI + SS combo | Jan 21, 2026 | Follows older “3rd Wednesday” schedule |
| COLA increase | 2.8% | Applies to benefits beginning January 2026 |
What You Should Do Now
- Log in to your “My Social Security” account and check your updated benefit amount after the COLA.
- Verify that your direct deposit information is current so your payment posts on time.
- Plan ahead for the December 31, 2025 SSI payment if you rely on that as part of your January income.
- Mark your calendar for your specific payment date so you know when to expect funds.
January 2026 signals notable updates for Social Security, SSI, and SSDI beneficiaries.
With a 2.8% COLA and adjusted payment dates (including the early SSI payment on December 31), now is the time to check your account, mark your schedule, and plan for your benefit update.
Staying informed will help you avoid surprises and ensure the transition to the new year is smooth.
FAQs
When will I get my January 2026 Social Security benefit?
If you are under the standard schedule and were born 1–10, you’ll receive the payment on Jan 14. If born 11–20, it’s Jan 21; if born 21–31, it’s Jan 28. SSI payments (for standard recipients) arrive on Dec 31, 2025 because the first day of January is a holiday.
How much will my benefit increase in January 2026?
Your benefit will increase by the COLA of 2.8%. The exact dollar amount depends on your current benefit — login to your SSA account to see your personalized new amount.
What happens if the scheduled date falls on a weekend or holiday?
If your payment date falls on a non-business day, the SSA will process the deposit on the previous business day so you’ll still receive it earlier rather than later.