2026 Social Security Payment Dates: Birth Date‑Based Schedule
The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets benefit payment dates for retirement, disability, survivor, and some other Social Security benefits according to the recipient’s birth date. For January 2026, most beneficiaries will receive their checks on three specific Wednesdays:
- January 14, 2026: People with birthdays on the 1st through 10th
- January 21, 2026: People with birthdays on the 11th through 20th
- January 28, 2026: People with birthdays on the 21st through 31st
This schedule applies to most Social Security beneficiaries who began receiving benefits after May 1997. Benefits include retirement income, disability insurance (SSDI), and survivor benefits.
Because January 1, 2026 falls on a federal holiday, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — a separate program for low‑income seniors and people with disabilities — will be paid a day early on December 31, 2025. This helps ensure SSI recipients still get their January benefit before the holiday.
In addition, some beneficiaries whose benefits began before May 1997 or who receive both SSI and Social Security may receive their payment earlier, such as on January 2, 2026, under SSA rules.
