Social Security January 2026 Payment Schedule: Who Gets Paid and When
As 2026 begins, millions of Americans receiving benefits can prepare for their January Social Security payments — including the first with the new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increasing benefit amounts. In this article we clearly explain everything retirees need to know about January Social Security payments.
Key Social Security Payment Dates in January 2026
Social Security Administration (SSA) payments are issued based on when beneficiaries first started receiving benefits and their birth date. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follows a separate schedule.
Social Security Benefit Schedule
- January 2, 2026 – For beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 or those who receive both Social Security and SSI benefits, payments arrive on this date because January 3 is a weekend.
- January 14, 2026 – Payments for recipients with birthdays 1st–10th of any month.
- January 21, 2026 – Payments for recipients with birthdays 11th–20th.
- January 28, 2026 – Payments for recipients with birthdays 21st–31st.
These Social Security payments follow the standard SSA practice of issuing benefits on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month for those who filed after May 1997.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Schedule
SSI payments are typically issued on the 1st of each month. However, because January 1, 2026, falls on a federal holiday, the SSI payment will be issued on:
- December 31, 2025 – SSI for January 2026 including the COLA increase.
What’s New for January 2026 Payments
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
- The SSA announced a 2.8% COLA for benefit payments starting in 2026. This increase helps Social Security keep pace with inflation and takes effect with the January payment cycle.
Higher Payment Amounts
- SSI maximum monthly benefits for 2026:
- $994 for an eligible individual
- $1,491 for an eligible couple Social Security
Beneficiaries who receive both SSI and Social Security may see their first increased SSI payment at the end of December 2025.
January 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule (Full Table)
| Payment Date | Who Gets Paid |
|---|---|
| December 31, 2025 | SSI recipients (January 2026 payment issued early due to Jan. 1 federal holiday) |
| January 2, 2026 | Social Security beneficiaries who began receiving benefits before May 1997 and those who receive both SSI and Social Security |
| January 14, 2026 | Birthdays 1st–10th (benefits started after May 1997) |
| January 21, 2026 | Birthdays 11th–20th (benefits started after May 1997) |
| January 28, 2026 | Birthdays 21st–31st (benefits started after May 1997) |
All payments are issued by the Social Security Administration and reflect the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) now in effect for 2026.
What Makes January 2026 Payments Different
January payments are closely watched each year because they are the first checks that include the new COLA increase.
For 2026, the SSA confirmed a 2.8% boost, translating to roughly $50–$60 more per month for the average retired worker.
Key things beneficiaries should know:
- The COLA applies automatically — no action required
- Direct deposit recipients typically see funds early in the morning
- Paper checks may take several additional mailing days
- SSI payments for January arrive before the new year begins
Why Some Payments Arrive in December
SSI benefits are normally paid on the 1st of the month. When that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA issues payments on the prior business day.
That’s why January 2026 SSI payments arrive on December 31, 2025 — a detail that often causes confusion but does not mean recipients are getting an extra check.
How Social Security Payment Dates Are Determined
Your payment date depends on two factors:
1. When You Started Receiving Benefits
- Before May 1997 → Paid on the 3rd of the month
- After May 1997 → Paid based on birthday
2. Your Birth Date
- 1st–10th → Second Wednesday
- 11th–20th → Third Wednesday
- 21st–31st → Fourth Wednesday
This staggered system allows the SSA to distribute payments smoothly to more than 70 million Americans each month.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Late
The SSA advises beneficiaries to:
- Wait three business days after the scheduled date
- Confirm your bank or Direct Express card
- Contact the Social Security Administration if payment has not arrived
Most delays are caused by banking holds or holiday processing, not missed payments.
Quick January Social Security Payments Summary
Social Security (SSA Benefits)
✔ Jan. 2 – Pre-1997 beneficiaries & dual beneficiaries
✔ Jan. 14 – Birthdays 1–10
✔ Jan. 21 – Birthdays 11–20
✔ Jan. 28 – Birthdays 21–31
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
✔ Dec. 31, 2025 – January 2026 SSI payment (due to Jan. 1 holiday)
Stay informed and plan ahead. Social Security remains a lifeline for over 70 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.