Millions of Social Security recipients are scheduled to receive their next monthly payment on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, according to the Social Security Administration’s official payment calendar.
The January 14 deposit is the first regular Wednesday payment of the year and comes after an unusually long wait for many beneficiaries, as January’s calendar pushes payments later than in most months.
Who Will Receive a Payment on January 14?
The January 14 payment applies to retirement, survivor, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients who:
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Began receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997, and
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Were born between the 1st and 10th of any month
The SSA issues benefits on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of each month, using beneficiaries’ birth dates to determine when payments are sent.
Who Is Paid on a Different Schedule?
Not all beneficiaries will receive a payment on January 14.
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Recipients who began collecting benefits before May 1997 typically receive payments on the 3rd of the month
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are usually paid on the 1st of the month, or the prior business day
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Individuals who receive both SSI and Social Security are generally paid on the 3rd
These exceptions remain unchanged in 2026.
Eligibility Requirements for Social Security Benefits
To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, workers must have earned at least 40 work credits, which usually requires about 10 years of employment, and must be 62 or older to begin collecting benefits.
Disability benefits require a qualifying medical condition and sufficient recent work history, while survivor benefits are available to eligible spouses, children, and dependents of deceased workers.
SSI, a separate federal program, is available to individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and meet strict income and asset limits.
2026 COLA Increase Included
January payments reflect the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. The annual increase is designed to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation and higher living costs.
For many recipients, the January 14 payment will be the first full monthly benefit that includes the COLA increase.
How Payments Are Delivered
Federal law requires Social Security benefits to be paid electronically, either through direct deposit or the Direct Express debit card program. Funds are typically available on the scheduled payment date, although some banks may post deposits earlier.
Why January Payments Matter
January is often one of the most challenging months for Social Security recipients due to longer gaps between payments. With rising costs for housing, food, and healthcare, knowing exactly when benefits arrive can be critical for household budgeting.
The Bottom Line
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th and you started receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997, your next payment is scheduled for January 14, 2026, including the new COLA increase.
As always, beneficiaries can confirm their payment date and benefit details through their my Social Security account.
What to do if your Social Security payment does not arrive
- If the deposit does not appear on the scheduled date, the SSA recommends following these steps:
- Contact your bank or financial institution first, as there may be a delay in posting the payment.
- If the problem persists, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office.
- The agency itself states: “We will review the case and, if the payment is due, we will replace it“.
