Retirement Social Security

January’s Social Security Payments Won't Arrive as Usual - Here's Why

Some SSI beneficiaries will receive their February benefit early.

By Michelle Smith

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Dec. 29, 2025

Are you one of the 74.8 million Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security benefits? If so, that monthly benefit is probably essential to your budget, which means knowing when the check will arrive in the mail or be deposited in your checking account is one of your top concerns.

Usually, you can count on your payments coming through consistently, but calendar quirks can throw off your benefits schedule some months. And if you get both Social Security and SSI benefits, January 2026 is one of those months. Keep reading to learn why and to get more tips on how to make the most of your benefits when they arrive.

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Social Security and SSI payment dates vary some months

Typically, the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays benefits consistently. The one exception? When a Social Security or SSI payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. The SSA doesn't process payments on these days.

Fortunately, if your usual payment date comes on a weekend or holiday, the SSA prioritizes paying you early instead of late. You'll get your check on the closest non-holiday weekday to your typical payment date, which is usually a Friday for weekend payments.

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SSI payments for January will be different for some

If you have very limited resources and income and are either disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old, you might qualify for a monthly SSI benefit. Approximately 4.8 million Americans qualify for SSI only, while around 2.5 million qualify for both SSI and Social Security benefits.

If you fall into the latter category, you usually get your SSI check on the first day of the month and your Social Security check on the third. But Feb. 1 is on a Sunday this year, so you'll get your SSI payment on Friday, Jan. 30. (Your Social Security benefit will arrive as usual on Tuesday, Feb. 3.) While this will feel like an extra January payment, it's actually for February.

January also has a few federal holidays, though the only one impacting payments is New Year's Day, which is Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The holiday means SSI beneficiaries who don't get Social Security will see their January SSI payment on Dec. 31, 2025, instead.

Finally, those who get both SSI and Social Security payments will get their January Social Security payment on Friday, Jan. 2, because Jan. 3 falls on a Saturday.

When the rest of January's payments arrive

SSI benefits and Social Security benefits for SSI recipients are the only payments that are changing in January. Everyone else should receive their benefits on the days they usually arrive.

Here's the full January payment calendar, including the changed payments we outlined above:

Wednesday, Dec. 31: January SSI benefits for all SSI beneficiaries.
Friday, Jan. 2: Social Security benefits for dual beneficiaries (those receiving SSI and Social Security) and Social Security beneficiaries who started receiving Social Security benefits prior to May 1997.
Wednesday, Jan. 14: Social Security benefits for beneficiaries born on the first through 10th days of their birth month.
Wednesday, Jan. 21: Social Security benefits for beneficiaries born on the 11th through 20th days of their birth month.
Wednesday, Jan. 28: Social Security benefits for beneficiaries born on the 21st through 31st days of their birth month.
Friday, Jan. 30: February SSI benefits for all SSI beneficiaries.

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What to do if your payment doesn't arrive

If your payment deadline came and went without a payment arriving, you don't need to worry just yet. Follow the tips below to figure out what may have gone wrong.

Check the holiday/weekend schedule

First, double-check that you have the calendar right. Remember, payments won't go through on weekends or holidays.

Check with your bank

Next, find out if the problem isn't on the SSA's end but on your bank's end. Bear in mind that closures for state and local holidays can impact when payments come through at your local branch.

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Make sure your direct deposit information is updated

If your bank verifies that you don't have any pending payments, the next step is logging on to your my Social Security account to make sure your direct deposit information — routing number, account number, and bank account type — are all current.

Verify your other information is correct in your online Social Security account

After checking your direct deposit information, verify that you've listed the correct address and phone number on mySocial Security. If you've moved recently, the SSA likely can't pay you until it has your new address.

Contact the SSA

If it isn't a weekend or holiday, your bank doesn't know what happened, and your my Social Security information is up to date, call 1-800-772-1213 (or TTY at 1-800-325-0778) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. your time to speak with an SSA representative.

It helps to have your my Social Security account open so you can give the representative all the information they need to assist you.

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How much is the average monthly Social Security payment?

According to the most recent data available (November 2025), retired workers receive an average monthly benefit of $2,013.32.

How to maximize your Social Security benefits

Unexpected payment changes can feel intimidating. But no matter when your benefit arrives, these tips will help ensure it lasts the month:

Cut down on energy costs by turning the thermostat up or down by a few degrees.
Take advantage of senior discount days at local grocery stores.
Use resources at your local library instead of paying for books, movie tickets, and CDs.

Bottom line

It's much easier to maximize your senior benefits when you know exactly when your check is due to arrive. To avoid stress throughout the year, it could help to print out the SSA's payment calendar and tape it to your fridge or to add the dates to your phone. That way, you won't get hit with payment surprises that take an unexpected toll on your budget.

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