We are almost in 2026, and the new Social Security Administration (SSA) payment schedule is about to begin. While the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment will be moved up to December (since the 1st falls on a holiday), it will be on January 2 when payments for the new year will start. That is when retirement beneficiaries, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients, or survivors receiving checks will begin to receive their monthly payments.
Figures are expected to increase due to the new 2.8% COLA, which translates to $56 per month. Keep in mind that the schedule remains the same, so some beneficiaries will have to wait until the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month to receive their check.
2026 Social Security payments
A new year begins, and with it, a new payment campaign from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States. While the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment was moved up to December because January 1 falls on a holiday, the rest of the payments will begin on January 2. That will be the time for beneficiaries of retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor benefits who have been enrolled since before May 1997.
It is also the date for those beneficiaries who receive Supplemental Security Income together with retirement, SSDI, or survivor checks. As has always been the case, the rest of the beneficiaries will receive their checks based on their birth date, having to wait until the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month.
- January 14: those born on the 1st-10th of the month.
- January 21: those born on the 11th-20th of the month.
- January 28: those born on the 21st-31st of the month.
Amounts to be received
According to data published by the SSA, in November 2025, the following average amounts were received:
- Retirees: $2,013.32 per month.
- Disabled workers: $1,588.52 per month.
- Survivor benefits recipients: $1,576.20 per month.
It is expected that with the new 2.8% COLA, the administration’s monthly payments will be higher, specifically, an average of $56 more per month.
Payment method
As we have mentioned before, most Social Security payments are made electronically, although there are still exceptions where paper checks are used. There are two ways to receive electronic payments that the beneficiary can choose from:
- Direct Deposit. Social Security can directly deposit your monthly payment into your bank account. This information can be provided to the administration through “my Social Security.”
- Direct Express Card. This option allows the monthly payment to be loaded onto a Direct Express card, which can be obtained by registering by calling 1-800-333-1795 or by visiting the Direct Express website.
Frequently asked questions
When will the first payment of 2026 be made?
Retirement, SSDI, and survivor payments begin on January 2. The SSI payment is moved up to December because of the New Year’s holiday.
How much will the checks increase with the new COLA?
Due to the 2.8% adjustment, beneficiaries will receive an average of $56 more each month.
On which days in January will payments be sent based on birthdays?
Payments will be made on Wednesdays the 14th (born 1–10), 21st (born 11–20), and 28th (born 21–31).