For millions of retirees and beneficiaries, January marks a significant shift in financial planning. Social Security payments are following their standard schedule this month, but with a critical difference: this is the first round of checks to include the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
While the schedule remains familiar, the amounts—and the economic factors influencing them—have changed. Here is a complete guide to when your payment will arrive, how much it has increased, and what you need to know about the new Supplemental Security Income (SSI) calendar.
The January 2026 Payment Schedule
The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to rely on a birth-date-based system to distribute retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. This “staggered” schedule prevents system overloads and ensures a predictable flow of funds.
According to the Social Security Administration’s calendar, here is when you can expect your funds to hit your bank account this month:
1. Pre-1997 and Special Category Beneficiaries
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Payment Date: Friday, January 2 (Adjusted)
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Who this applies to:
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Beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security before May 1997.
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Recipients who receive both Social Security and SSI.
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Note: While the standard payment date for this group is the 3rd of the month, January 3, 2026, falls on a Saturday. Consequently, payments were advanced to the preceding business day, Friday, January 2.
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2. Standard Birth-Date Schedule
For the majority of retirees who began benefits after May 1997, payments are issued on Wednesdays.
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Second Wednesday (Jan. 14):
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For beneficiaries with birthdays falling between the 1st and the 10th of any month.
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Third Wednesday (Jan. 21):
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For beneficiaries with birthdays falling between the 11th and the 20th of any month.
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Fourth Wednesday (Jan. 28):
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For beneficiaries with birthdays falling between the 21st and the 31st of any month.
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Tip: If your payment date falls on a federal holiday, your payment will typically arrive on the weekday immediately prior.
Inside the Numbers: The 2.8% COLA Increase
Starting in January, Social Security benefits will look slightly different. The 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is 2.8%, a figure designed to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation.
What Does This Mean in Dollars?
According to the Social Security Administration, the average retirement benefit will rise by approximately $56 per month.
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Average Retired Worker: The estimated average check rises from roughly $2,015 (in 2025) to $2,071 in 2026.
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Couples: The average couple’s combined benefit will rise to an estimated $3,208.
The “Net” Increase: Factoring in Medicare
While the gross amount is higher, the “net” amount deposited into bank accounts may be lower than expected for many. This is due to the concurrent rise in Medicare Part B premiums, which are often automatically deducted from Social Security checks.
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Medicare Part B Premium 2026: The standard monthly premium has increased to $202.90 (an increase of $17.90 from 2025).
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The Math: If your COLA increase is $56, but your Medicare premium rises by nearly $18, your actual disposable increase is closer to $38 per month.
Check out this detailed breakdown on how the premium hike impacts your bottom line:
Medicare premium hike: The increase reduces Social Security COLA for 2026
SSI Payment Schedule: Why Checks Are Moving
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) operates on a different schedule, typically paying out on the 1st of the month. However, quirks in the 2026 calendar mean recipients will see several “early” payments throughout the year.
The January/February Anomaly
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January 2026 Payment: Because January 1 was a holiday (New Year’s Day), the payment for January was sent early on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
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February 2026 Payment: February 1 falls on a Sunday. Therefore, the February payment will be issued on Friday, January 30, 2026.
This means SSI recipients will technically receive two checks in January 2026 (one on Jan. 2 for concurrent beneficiaries/back pay, and one on Jan. 30 for February), but zero checks in February. Budgeting carefully during these “gap” months is essential.
Full 2026 SSI Calendar Highlights
According to the SSA calendar, here are the key dates to mark:
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Friday, Jan. 30: Payment for February.
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Friday, Feb. 27: Payment for March.
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Wednesday, April 1: Payment for April.
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Friday, May 1: Payment for May.
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Monday, June 1: Payment for June.
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Wednesday, July 1: Payment for July.
Eligibility Reminders
If you are unsure if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income, remember that it is distinct from standard Social Security. It is a needs-based program for:
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People aged 65 or older with limited income/resources.
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Adults and children with qualifying disabilities (including blindness).
For 2026, the federal maximum monthly SSI payment is $994 for an individual and $1,491 for a couple. You can check eligibility or apply via the SSA website.
New Earnings Limits for 2026
For those who continue to work while receiving Social Security benefits, the “earnings test” limits have also increased for 2026. This allows you to earn more income before your benefits are temporarily reduced.
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Under Full Retirement Age: The limit is now $24,480. (SSA withholds $1 for every $2 earned above this).
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Reaching Full Retirement Age in 2026: The limit is $65,160. (SSA withholds $1 for every $3 earned above this, until the month you reach full age).
Summary: Action Plan for Beneficiaries
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Check Your Date: Confirm your specific Wednesday pay date based on your birthday.
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Review Your Net Pay: Log in to your my Social Security account to see your exact benefit amount after Medicare deductions.
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Mark Your Calendar: If you are on SSI, note that your February rent money will arrive on January 30th—do not spend it early!
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