The first round of January Social Security payments for retirees — now capped at $5,108 per month — will be issued in just 11 days, marking the first checks to reflect the new 2026 cost-of-living adjustment.
Here’s what beneficiaries need to know about January payment dates, who qualifies for the Jan. 14 deposit, and how much checks are increasing under the 2026 COLA.
When will January Social Security payments arrive?
Social Security payments will follow the normal staggered Wednesday schedule in January, according to the Social Security Administration.
Payment dates for January 2026 are:
- January 2 – Beneficiaries who began receiving benefits before May 1997, including some SSDI and survivor recipients
- January 14 – Retirees and beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- January 21 – Birthdays falling between the 11th and 20th
- January 28 – Birthdays falling between the 21st and 31st
January marks the first month that the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment is included in monthly benefit payments.
Who will receive the January 14 payment?
Social Security benefits are typically paid on Wednesdays, based on a beneficiary’s birth date.
On Wednesday, January 14, payments will go to:
- Retired workers
- Disabled workers
- Survivor beneficiaries
Whose birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month
This group represents the first wave of regularly scheduled January payments reflecting the 2026 COLA.
How much will beneficiaries get paid in January?
Before the COLA took effect, average monthly payments at the end of 2025 were:
- Retired workers: $2,013.32
- Disabled workers (SSDI): $1,588.52
- Survivors: $1,576.20
With the 2.8% COLA increase, beneficiaries are seeing an average boost of about $56 per month starting in January.
For high earners who delayed claiming benefits until age 70, the maximum monthly retirement benefit is now $5,108, reflecting the combined impact of delayed retirement credits and the annual COLA adjustment.
Why January payments matter
More than 70 million Americans rely on Social Security for monthly income, and January payments are closely watched because they set the tone for household budgets in the new year. With inflation still weighing on essentials like food, housing, and healthcare, the COLA increase provides modest but meaningful relief for retirees and disabled workers alike.
Stay informed and plan ahead. Social Security remains a lifeline for over 71 million Americans — knowing your payment dates and any upcoming changes is key to staying financially secure. If you’re unsure about your benefits or need personalized guidance, visit SSA.govor call 1-800-772-1213.