List of Social Security beneficiaries who will not receive payment on January 21, 2026

Today, Wednesday, January 21, marks a new installment of Social Security benefits, where millions of beneficiaries will receive their corresponding payments at the beginning of 2026, which is also marked by the increase in COLA, which generates larger amounts for citizens.

Being aware of the Social Security calendar is key to knowing when to receive benefits and when to claim if they have not yet arrived. SSA dates are subject to change when they fall on holidays, however, in January they are as usual on Wednesdays.

Who receives Social Security payments on Wednesday, January 21?

Social Security payments are made in different rounds on Wednesdays of the month. Citizens receive their benefits according to their date of birth. Thus, these are the people who DO receive their Social Security payments today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

• Date of birth: If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any month of the year.
• Type of benefit: Applies to retirees, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries and survivor payments

Who does not receive Social Security payments today, Wednesday, January 21?

Considering that the Wednesday rounds have already begun and that the list is also based on the type of benefits, these are the people who do not receive payments today. Either because they have already received them or they are due next Wednesday:

• Born from 1 to 10: The payment was deposited on Wednesday, January 14.
• Born from 21 to 31: The benefit will be sent on Wednesday, January 28.
• SSI beneficiaries and pre-1997 cases: This group already received their funds earlier this month (January 2), as their payment dates are usually the 1st or 3rd of each month. Because January 1 was a holiday and the 3rd fell on a Saturday, the SSA moved the process forward.

How much is the COLA increase for 2026?

For 2026, the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for Social Security beneficiaries in the United States is 2.8%.

This increase came into effect with payments this January and aims to help beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power in the face of inflation.