Every January, millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits watch closely for their first monthly payment of the new year. In 2026, the schedule follows a pattern based on birth date groups, and it also includes a notable cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) designed to help benefits keep up with inflation.

Why Payments Are Staggered by Birth Date

The staggered schedule is designed so the Social Security Administration can manage processing efficiently, rather than paying all beneficiaries on a single day. Since 1997, most monthly benefits have been distributed on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month based on birth date groups, while a separate cycle applies to people in the earliest payment categories.