Social Security payments are changing in 2026 — here’s how your monthly check could shift
Social Security recipients across the United States are preparing for significant changes to their monthly checks as 2026 begins. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. This change affects approximately 75 million Americans and aims to help retirees, disabled workers, and low-income beneficiaries keep pace with rising living costs.
For millions of SSI recipients, the change comes even sooner. Nearly 7.5 million individuals receiving SSI will see their benefits increase on December 31, 2025, because the first scheduled payment in January coincides with New Year’s Day, a federal holiday. This adjustment ensures that beneficiaries do not miss out on their regular payments. The increase will raise the average monthly SSI benefit for individuals from $967 in 2025 to $994 in 2026. Couples receiving SSI will see payments rise from $1,450 to $1,491.
Retirees at full retirement age will also benefit. Monthly Social Security payments for a worker retiring at full retirement age will increase from $4,018 in 2025 to $4,152 in 2026. Meanwhile, those delaying retirement until age 70 could see the maximum benefit rise from $5,108 to $5,251. These adjustments reflect SSA’s ongoing effort to align benefits with inflation, ensuring that older adults and other beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power.
What is the January 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule?
Social Security benefits are distributed based on your birth date. In January 2026, recipients can expect payments on the following dates:
- January 14: Birth dates 1st–10th
- January 21: Birth dates 11th–20th
- January 28: Birth dates 21st–31st
SSI recipients will receive their January payment on January 30 instead of the first of the month because January 1 falls on a federal holiday, New Year’s Day. This adjustment ensures that no one misses their scheduled payment and maintains consistency for beneficiaries relying on timely support.
When will February 2026 Social Security and SSI Payments arrive?
For February 2026, Social Security recipients will see their payments on:
- February 11: Birth dates 1st–10th
- February 18: Birth dates 11th–20th
- February 25: Birth dates 21st–31st
SSI payments for February will be issued on February 27, as February 1 falls on a weekend. The SSA carefully plans payment dates around holidays and weekends to ensure recipients have access to funds without delays. This scheduling helps beneficiaries manage monthly bills and essential expenses efficiently.
How much will Social Security benefits increase in 2026?
The SSA has announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and SSI benefits in 2026. Retired workers will see their monthly payments rise to $2,071, up from $2,015 in 2025. Couples receiving benefits together can expect $3,208 per month. Widowed mothers with two children are projected to receive $3,898 in benefits.
These increases aim to keep pace with inflation and rising living costs, including healthcare, housing, and everyday expenses. The 2.8% boost is one of the largest in recent years and helps millions of Americans maintain their purchasing power as costs continue to rise.
Why should beneficiaries review their Social Security statements?
Experts recommend that Social Security recipients carefully review their statements and budget plans with the new payment amounts in mind. Understanding your updated benefit ensures you can manage expenses effectively and avoid surprises. With higher payments, recipients can better handle essential costs like rent, utilities, medical bills, and groceries, especially given ongoing economic pressures in 2026.
Regularly checking statements also helps identify any potential errors or adjustments that may need attention, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their full, accurate benefits on time.
FAQs:
Q: When will Social Security and SSI payments be issued in January 2026? A: Social Security payments in January 2026 will be issued according to birth dates: January 14 for those born 1st–10th, January 21 for 11th–20th, and January 28 for 21st–31st. SSI payments for January will be issued on December 31, 2025, instead of January 1 due to the New Year’s federal holiday.
Q: How much will Social Security benefits increase in 2026?
A: Social Security and SSI benefits will rise by 2.8% in 2026. Individual SSI payments increase from $967 to $994, and couples’ SSI from $1,450 to $1,491. Retired workers will see $2,071, couples $3,208, and widowed mothers with two children $3,898. Maximum benefits at age 70 rise from $5,108 to $5,251.