No Social Security Payments Will Be Sent Out This Week
Millions of Americans who rely on their monthly Social Security payments may notice something unusual this week: no payments are being sent.
According to the official calendar from the Social Security Administration, the pause is part of the normal monthly payment schedule—and it has everything to do with how January 2026 falls on the calendar.
Why it matters
The SSA sends monthly benefits to more than 70 million Americans, including retirees, survivors and people with disabilities. To manage the massive volume, payments are staggered throughout the month rather than issued all at once.
January is also significant because it marks the first month that 2026 benefits reflect the new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This year’s COLA delivers a permanent 2.8% increase to most Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
Why there are no Social Security payments this week
Most Social Security beneficiaries are paid based on their birth date, unless they:
- Started receiving benefits before May 1997, or
- Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to Social Security
Those groups are typically paid at the very beginning of the month.
For everyone else—primarily retirees who began collecting benefits after May 1997—payments are issued on the second Wednesday of the month. In January 2026, that second Wednesday doesn’t arrive until January 14, which falls in the third week of the month.
That calendar quirk is why no standard Social Security payments are sent during the first full week of January.
Full Social Security payment schedule for January 2026
Here’s how payments are rolling out this month:
- Wednesday, Dec. 31: SSI payments
- Friday, Jan. 2: Social Security payments for people who also receive SSI
- Wednesday, Jan. 14: Payments for beneficiaries born 1st–10th
- Wednesday, Jan. 21: Payments for beneficiaries born 11th–20th
- Wednesday, Jan. 28: Payments for beneficiaries born 21st–31st
If your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, the SSA advises waiting up to three business days before contacting the agency.
Bigger Social Security checks start this month
While the early-January gap can be confusing, there is good news: benefits are higher in 2026.
The 2.8% COLA increase is already in effect, raising payments across all major Social Security programs.
Here’s what the SSA estimates for 2026:
- Average retirement benefit:
- Rises from $2,015 to $2,071 per month
- Maximum benefit at full retirement age:
- Increases from $4,018 to $4,152 per month
- Average SSDI benefit:
- Climbs from $1,586 to $1,630 per month
The COLA also lifts the ceiling on top-end benefits. In 2026, the maximum possible monthly Social Security payment increases from $5,108 to $5,251, or nearly $2,000 more per year for those who qualify.
Who qualifies for the maximum benefit?
Reaching the highest possible Social Security payment requires meeting strict criteria, including:
- At least 35 years of work history
- Earnings consistently at or near the maximum taxable limit
- Waiting until age 70 to claim benefits
For most beneficiaries, the increase will be more modest—but every recipient will see the 2.8% adjustment reflected in 2026 payments.
Stay informed and plan ahead. Social Security remains a lifeline for over 71 million Americans — knowing your payment dates and any upcoming changes is key to staying financially secure.
If you’re unsure about your benefits or need personalized guidance, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.