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.
Why not pay them on their birthdate? I refuse to buy it is too complicated is this completely automated and all that has to happen is input the correct date and have the system update the next time there is an update. It would be simple to put it in the individual account by logging into your account and put in the date
When will I get my check.
Then how come I got my SS check on the 3rd of January which is when I always get it. Not understanding what the 14th has to do either it my birth date is the 2nd of the mint I was born in. So what is all of this about
Notable COLA?? Are you kidding me? Inflation is horrible and I actually end of loosing money with the raises in Medicare costs. Hardly making it