Social Security recipients will see bigger payments in 2026, thanks to the SSA’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Here’s when you can expect your funds.
The Social Security Administration releases its full-year schedule before January 1, allowing beneficiaries to know exactly when their payments will arrive. As of September 30, 2025, the SSA no longer issues paper checks, so all payments are delivered electronically.
January payment dates
Social Security payments are issued on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month, depending on your birthday:
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Born between the 1st and 10th: Payment on Jan. 14
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Born between the 11th and 20th: Payment on Jan. 21
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Born between the 21st and end of the month: Payment on Jan. 28
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their payment on Jan. 30. Those who have received Social Security before May 1997 will see their payment on Jan. 2.
About 7.5 million SSI beneficiaries will get the first boost in benefits on Dec. 31, 2025, since Jan. 1 is a holiday. The 71 million Americans receiving Social Security can expect their COLA increase following the usual payment schedule in January.
How much will Social Security benefits increase in 2026?
The 2026 COLA is 2.8%, translating to an average increase of $56 per month for recipients. As of September 2025, the average Social Security retirement benefit was $1,956.55.
Payment amounts vary by state, reflecting differences in lifetime earnings. Residents of Connecticut and New Jersey will see the largest increases nationwide.
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