Check the payment schedule that already started at the end of 2025 and continues in January 2026
The beginning of 2026 marks a key moment for the financial stability of millions of citizens in the United States, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) has begun to implement the new Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This 2.8% increase seeks to alleviate the pressure of inflation on household budgets, raising the average retiree’s payment by approximately $56 per month.
Despite the fact that January payments began to be issued from the last days of December for some groups, the SSA’s schedule follows a rigid structure based primarily on the beneficiaries’ date of birth and the type of benefit they receive. After the massive deposits made on Friday, January 2 for those who have been collecting since before 1997, the system is preparing for its next major phase of distribution.
If a payment does not arrive on time, the SSA recommends waiting three business days before contacting the agency.
Will There Be Social Security Payments on January 7?
No, according to the SSA’s official 2026 payment schedule, no Social Security payments will be made on Wednesday, January 7.
The reason: Social Security distributes retirement, survivors, and disability (SSDI) benefits on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Since January 2026 began on a Thursday, the “second Wednesday” falls later in the month, not during the first full week.
Payments processed in the first week of January 2026:
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December 31, 2025: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for January were delivered.
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January 2, 2026: Payments went to those receiving benefits since before May 1997.
Social Security Payment Schedule for January 2026:
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January 14: People born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
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January 21: People born between the 11th and 20th of any month.
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January 28: People born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
Who Receives Social Security Benefits?
Social Security is designed to support more than just retirees. By 2026, nearly 75 million Americans will receive payments, which have increased by 2.8% thanks to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Recipients include:
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Retired workers
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People with disabilities (SSDI)
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Family members of workers (benefits for dependents)
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Survivors
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients
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“.
The Social Security and SSDI payment schedule for January 2026 is already set, and knowing the correct dates can avoid unnecessary stress at the beginning of the year. Whether you receive retirement, disability or SSI, having this information at hand will allow you to better plan your finances and act quickly in the event of any inconvenience.
