As 2026 gets underway, millions of Americans who rely on Social Security are seeing changes to both their monthly benefit amounts and payment schedules. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed a new cost-of-living adjustment, updated Medicare premiums, and a full calendar of payment dates that will determine when beneficiaries receive their checks throughout the year.
The agency said notification letters outlining updated benefits were mailed to recipients in December, providing details on how the changes will affect individual payments starting in January.
Social Security signage outside a federal office building
2.8 Percent COLA Takes Effect
Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning with January 2026 payments. According to the SSA, the increase translates to an average monthly boost of approximately $56.
The COLA applies to retired workers, disabled beneficiaries, survivors, and recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The adjustment is intended to help offset rising living costs, including food, housing, and medical expenses.
COLAs are calculated annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). While lower than some recent increases, the 2026 adjustment reflects easing inflation compared with prior years.
Medicare Part B Premiums Offset Gains for Many
Despite the COLA increase, many beneficiaries may see little change in their net monthly payment due to rising Medicare costs. The standard Medicare Part B premium will rise to $202.90 per month in 2026, up $17.90 from $185 in 2025.
Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, including doctor visits, preventive services, diagnostic tests, mental health care, and certain medical equipment. For most beneficiaries, the premium is automatically deducted from their Social Security check.
Because of this deduction, the COLA increase may be partially or fully offset for individuals enrolled in Part B. Higher-income beneficiaries may pay even more due to income-related monthly adjustment amounts.
Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care, remains premium-free for most recipients.
Medicare and Social Security paperwork shown together
Maximum Monthly Benefit Increases
The maximum monthly Social Security benefit at full retirement age will increase in 2026, rising from $4,018 to $4,152.
Full retirement age is the point at which individuals are eligible to receive 100 percent of their earned Social Security retirement benefit. That age varies depending on year of birth, following changes enacted under the Social Security Amendments of 1983.
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Individuals born between 1943 and 1954 reach full retirement age at 66
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Those born between 1955 and 1959 see the age increase by two months per birth year
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Anyone born in 1960 or later has a full retirement age of 67
Benefits can be claimed as early as age 62, but doing so permanently reduces monthly payments. Conversely, delaying benefits beyond full retirement age results in higher monthly checks due to delayed retirement credits.
The SSA provides an online tool that allows individuals to enter their birthdate to determine their exact full retirement age.
How Social Security Payment Dates Are Determined
Social Security payment dates are based on two factors: when a beneficiary first began receiving benefits and their birthdate.
Beneficiaries who started receiving Social Security before May 1997 — or who receive both Social Security and SSI — are paid on the 3rd of each month. If the 3rd falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payment is issued on the preceding business day.
All other beneficiaries are paid on Wednesdays, with the specific week determined by their birthdate:
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Birthdays from the 1st–10th: Second Wednesday
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Birthdays from the 11th–20th: Third Wednesday
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Birthdays from the 21st–31st: Fourth Wednesday
This staggered system is designed to spread payments evenly throughout the month.
SSI Payment Timing for 2026
SSI payments are generally issued on the 1st of each month. When the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are sent on the previous business day.
Because Jan. 1, 2026, is a federal holiday, SSI recipients received their January payment early, on Dec. 31, 2025.
Throughout 2026, several SSI payments will also be issued early due to weekends or holidays, which can result in two payments arriving in a single calendar month.
Calendar highlighting Social Security and SSI payment dates
2026 Social Security and SSI Payment Schedule
SSI Payments
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Paid on the 1st of the month
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Issued early if the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday
Social Security Payments
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3rd of the month for beneficiaries who started before May 1997 or receive both SSI and Social Security
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Otherwise paid on Wednesdays based on birthdate
Wednesday Payment Schedule by Birthdate
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2nd Wednesday: Birthdays 1–10
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3rd Wednesday: Birthdays 11–20
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4th Wednesday: Birthdays 21–31
Monthly Payment Highlights for 2026
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January
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SSI: Dec. 31, 2025
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Social Security: Jan. 2, 14, 21, 28
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February
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SSI: Jan. 30
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Social Security: Feb. 3, 11, 18, 25
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March
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SSI: Feb. 27
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Social Security: March 3, 11, 18, 25
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April
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SSI: Apr. 1
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Social Security: April 3, 8, 15, 22
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May
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SSI: May 1
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Social Security: May 1, 13, 20, 27
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June
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SSI: Jun. 1
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Social Security: June 3, 10, 17, 24
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July
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SSI: Jul. 1 and Jul. 31 (for August)
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Social Security: July 3, 8, 15, 22
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August
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SSI: Jul. 31
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Social Security: Aug. 3, 12, 19, 26
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September
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SSI: Sep. 1
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Social Security: Sep. 3, 9, 16, 23
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October
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SSI: Oct. 1 and Oct. 30 (for November)
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Social Security: Oct. 2, 14, 21, 28
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November
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SSI: Oct. 30
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Social Security: Nov. 3, 10, 18, 25
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December
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SSI: Dec. 1
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Social Security: Dec. 3, 9, 16, 23
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A complete official calendar for 2026 payment dates is available on the SSA’s website.
What Beneficiaries Should Do
The SSA advises beneficiaries to review their December and January statements carefully to understand how the COLA and Medicare premiums affect their net payments. Individuals who believe there is an error should contact the agency promptly.
Beneficiaries are also encouraged to create or log into their online SSA accounts to view benefit details, update direct deposit information, and access official notices.
As 2026 progresses, the combination of modest benefit increases and higher medical costs will remain a key financial issue for retirees and disabled Americans who depend on Social Security as a primary source of income.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
