Here’s a complete look at the dates Texas beneficiaries will receive their Social Security and SSI checks, plus how increases and holiday shifts affect the timing
The Social Security Administration (SSA) bases monthly payment dates primarily on your birth date, and the January schedule has a few quirks this year due to the New Year’s Day holiday.
In general, most Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefit payments are distributed on a Wednesday each month based on a beneficiary’s date of birth. For January 2026, the dates are as follows:
- January 2, 2026 (Friday) – For people who started receiving benefits before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- January 14, 2026 (Wednesday) – For beneficiaries born on the 1st through 10th of the month.
- January 21, 2026 (Wednesday) – For those born between the 11th and 20th.
- January 28, 2026 (Wednesday) – For individuals born on the 21st through 31st.
In Texas, like across the rest of the country, beneficiaries on the traditional Social Security payout schedule will receive their checks on the dates that correspond to their birthday window.
SSI recipients generally receive payments on the first of the month, but because January 1, 2026 falls on a holiday, those payments were disbursed early, on December 31, 2025.
Important context: COLA and why dates shift
January 2026 also marks the beginning of a new benefit amount year. The SSA applied a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to Social Security and SSI benefits starting this month, which means most retirees, disabled beneficiaries, and survivors will see a modest increase, around $56 more per month on average compared to 2025.
Holiday and weekend scheduling rules sometimes push payment dates earlier than the normal calendar.
For example, SSI payments scheduled for January 1, 2026, the first of the month, were processed on Dec. 31, 2025, because the holiday prevented normal processing.
Similarly, some beneficiaries who receive both Social Security and SSI or who began benefits before May 1997 received their January pay on Jan. 2, 2026 rather than on a Wednesday.
If you’re unsure which group you fall into, the general rule is:
- Pre-May 1997 starters (or those with dual benefits) get an early payment.
- Birthdate-based benefits follow the Wednesday schedule listed above.
- If a scheduled day falls on a holiday or weekend, the SSA processes payments on the prior business day.
It’s also worth noting that direct deposit timing may vary slightly from the official SSA calendar. Some banks post funds a day or two early, while others stick closely to the SSA’s payment date.
If you don’t see your payment on the expected date, the SSA recommends waiting at least three business days before contacting your bank or the SSA directly.
For Texans expecting Social Security in January 2026, those Wednesday dates, the 14th, 21st, and 28th, will be the most common deposit days. Planning around these dates can help ensure bills are paid on time and that you can budget confidently as the new year begins.
