For retired workers, who make up the largest share of Social Security recipients, the increase translates to an average monthly boost of about $56. The exact amount depends on each person’s benefit level, but all qualifying recipients receive the same percentage increase.
This adjustment is designed to reflect changes in the cost of living and is automatically applied. Beneficiaries do not need to take any action to receive the higher payments.
January 2026 Social Security payment dates
January payments follow the standard Social Security schedule, which is based on the beneficiary’s date of birth. Because January 2026 begins on a Thursday, the Wednesday payment dates fall later in the month than usual. Recipients who started receiving benefits before May 1997, as well as those who receive both Social Security and SSI, are paid at the start of the month. Everyone else is paid on one of three Wednesdays.
For January 2026, Social Security retirement, survivor and disability payments are scheduled as follows:
- January 2 for long-term beneficiaries and those also receiving SSI
- January 14 for those born between the 1st and 10th
- January 21 for those born between the 11th and 20th
- January 28 for those born between the 21st and 31st
These dates apply to Social Security benefits only, not SSI.
SSI payment timing at the start of 2026
SSI payments follow a slightly different calendar, and early 2026 includes two schedule shifts. Because January 1 is a federal holiday, January’s SSI payment is issued on December 31, 2025. February’s SSI payment also arrives earlier than usual. Since February 1 falls on a weekend, the payment is scheduled for January 30, 2026.
This means SSI recipients will receive two payments in January, but none in February. This is a timing issue only and does not change the total amount paid over the year.
Based on the most recent Social Security Administration data, benefit amounts vary widely depending on work history and eligibility, but current averages give a general picture. Retired workers receive an average monthly benefit of $2,013.32. Disabled workers receive about $1,588.52 per month on average. Survivor benefit recipients average $1,576.20 per month. SSI recipients receive an average monthly payment of $717.90.
These figures reflect national averages, not maximum benefits, and individual payments may be higher or lower.
How Social Security benefits are paid
Social Security benefits are issued electronically. Paper checks are no longer the standard option for most recipients.
Beneficiaries can choose between two payment methods:
- Direct deposit to a bank or credit union account
- The Direct Express Card, a prepaid debit card used for federal benefits
Both options ensure payments arrive on the scheduled date, even when holidays or weekends affect the calendar. As 2026 begins, Social Security payments are moving on schedule, with higher amounts and predictable timing. For beneficiaries, knowing the exact payment date and updated benefit level can help avoid confusion during the first weeks of the new year.