Millions of Social Security beneficiaries will receive their January 2026 payments on Wednesday, Jan. 14, the Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed — a key date for retirees, disabled workers and survivors who depend on the program for monthly income.
Who qualifies for the Jan. 14 Social Security payment
The Jan. 14 payment applies to beneficiaries who started receiving Social Security after May 1997 and whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of the month. Social Security payments are issued in staggered waves throughout each month based on birth dates, a system designed to efficiently manage deposits for more than 70 million Americans.
You may be eligible for Survivor benefits if you’re the spouse, divorced spouse, child, or dependent parent of someone who worked and paid Social Security taxes before they died. Visit https://t.co/Z8iHpgjgN6 to learn more. pic.twitter.com/gdq0omxZCW
— Social Security (@SocialSecurity) January 14, 2026
How January 2026 Social Security payments will be delivered
Most recipients will receive their benefits through direct deposit, while a smaller number continue to rely on Direct Express prepaid debit cards. The SSA continues to urge beneficiaries to use electronic payment methods, citing their speed, security and reliability compared with paper checks.
Why January Social Security payments feel delayed
January payments often feel later than expected because Social Security benefits are paid in arrears, meaning January payments cover benefits for December. In addition, calendar timing can create a longer gap between December and January deposits. In 2026, that gap extends into mid-January for the first group of Wednesday recipients.
Who follows a different Social Security payment schedule
Beneficiaries who began collecting Social Security before May 1997, as well as those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), follow different payment schedules and are not included in the Jan. 14 distribution.
What beneficiaries should do now
The SSA advises beneficiaries to double-check banking information, monitor their accounts around payment dates, and ensure contact details are current to avoid disruptions as the new benefit year begins.
Official Social Security Administration Contact Information
Beneficiaries seeking official information or assistance with Social Security payments can contact the SSA through the following channels:
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Mailing Address:
Social Security Administration
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
United States
Official Website:
www.ssa.gov
Toll-Free Phone Number:
1-800-772-1213
TTY (Deaf or Hard of Hearing):
1-800-325-0778
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
(Automated services available 24 hours a day)
The SSA recommends using its online services whenever possible for the fastest access to benefit information, payment updates, and account changes.
