Retirement Social Security

Here's When To Expect Your First Social Security Check With the 2026 COLA

January 2026 COLA pay dates and SSI timing.

By Katy Willis

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Nov. 11, 2025

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. For the 75 million+ people who rely on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), planning for their new budget requires first knowing when they'll see that larger amount in their bank account.

The answer depends on which benefit you receive and your regular payment schedule. Find out exactly when to expect your increased benefit amount, and how to double-check the precise amount you'll receive so you can revisit and, if necessary, adjust your retirement plan.

Get instant access to hundreds of discounts

Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.

Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.

Become an AARP member now

When COLA takes effect

The new benefit amount applies to benefits for December 2025 that are paid in January 2026. That means retirees and most other Social Security beneficiaries see the higher amount with their regularly scheduled January payment. Supplemental Security Insurance is different because January 1 is a federal holiday. Therefore, January SSI payments are actually made on December 31, 2025, and will include the COLA increase.

To see what you'll get and when, use the SSA payment calendar or check your "my Social Security" account. You'll see your updated COLA-applied figures in your online notice in late November in your account.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

How the standard payment schedule works

If you started receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997, the SSA pays you on a Wednesday based on your birth date. Birthdays on the 1st-10th are paid on the second Wednesday. Birthdays on the 11th-20th are paid on the third Wednesday, and birthdays on the 21st-31st are paid on the fourth Wednesday.

In January 2-26, those Wednesdays fall on:

January 14, 2026: second Wednesday (birthdays 1st-10th)
January 21, 2026: third Wednesday (birthdays 11th-20th)
January 28, 2026: fourth Wednesday (birthdays 21st-31st)

Your first Social Security payment of the new year will reflect the 2.8% COLA on whichever of those dates matches your birthday group.

Important exceptions and special cases

Some beneficiaries don't use the Wednesday schedule. If you've received Social Security since before May 1997, or you receive both SSI and Social Security, your Social Security payment date is the 3rd of each month. When the 3rd falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payment is made on the prior business day. In January 2026, the 3rd is a Saturday, so this group is paid on Friday, January 2, 2026.

SSI recipients normally receive their benefits on the 2nd of the month, but because the 1st of January is a holiday, they'll receive their payments on December 31st, 2025, instead.

Direct deposit and Direct Express® timing can also affect when you see funds. The SSA sends payments on the scheduled day. And banks may post same-day, while some debit card and financial institutions post later in the week. If your deposit doesn't show on the expected date, the SSA asks that you wait three banking days before contacting the agency, and to check with your bank or card issuer first.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

How to get ready and confirm your new amount

In late November, sign in to your "my Social Security" account and open your COLA notice. It lists your new gross benefit for 2026 and shows any deductions such as Medicare Part B and, if applicable, Part D or an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA). Those line items determine the net deposit you'll actually see in your 2026 payments.

If you've changed banks, confirm your direct deposit details now to avoid a returned or late payment. You can update deposit information online in your account or by contacting the SSA directly.

Once your January payment arrives, compare the deposit against your notice. A retiree whose 2025 gross was $2,000 would see a new gross of $2,056 after the 2.8% COLA, but before any deductions. If your deposit seems lower than you were expecting, check the Medicare deduction lines in your notice, as many retirees have premiums withheld directly from their Social Security payment.

What to do if your payment is late or looks wrong

If the scheduled payment date passes and the money isn't in your account, first contact your bank or card provider to see if the deposit is pending. If it still hasn't arrived, wait three banking days, then contact the SSA. They and the Treasury Department can trace the payment and reissue it if needed.

If the amount is different than expected, review your COLA notice for premium or withholding changes. For most people, Medicare Part B premiums and any IRMAA are the main reasons their net deposit is lower than the gross amount posted in your "my Social Security" account.

Bottom line

2026's COLA is built into your January 2026 Social Security payment on your regular schedule. For everyone who started receiving their benefits after May 1997, that's the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, based on your birthday, or the 3rd of the month for those who started receiving benefits before May 1997 or who also receive SSI. For those who just receive SSI, payments for January will go out on December 31, 2025, due to the holiday on January 1st.

Check your "my Social Security" account for your official notice in late November to see your new gross amount. This is also the perfect time to make sure your direct deposit details are current. Knowing the timing and the exact number helps you adjust your autopays and retirement plan accordingly so that there are no unpleasant surprises.

More from FinanceBuzz: