The Social Security Administration in the United States confirmed the adjustment of the payment for January 2026.
SSI usually pays on the first day of each month, but when that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to another date. Since January 1 is a federal holiday, the SSI payment has been rescheduled.
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Who receives Social Security payments?
Around 74 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits and another seven million on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to cover their monthly expenses.
The SSA organizes some Social Security payments based on the birth date of the worker who generated the benefit, not the current beneficiary. The December 2025 payment schedule by date of birth was.
- Born from 1 to 10: Wednesday, December 10
- Born from 11 to 20: Wednesday, December 17
- Born from 21 to 31: Wednesday, December 24
Beneficiaries prior to May 1997: These do not receive their payment according to their date of birth. People who started receiving Social Security before May 1997 normally collect on the third day of each month and in December it was no exception, their payment was issued on Wednesday 3.
SSI and dual beneficiaries: January 2026 payment brought forward to December 2025
Those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) usually get paid on the first of the month. In December, the payment was made on Monday 1. However, the payment for January 2026 will be brought forward and sent on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, due to the federal holiday (New Year’s Day).
People who receive both benefits received the SSI payment on December 1 and their Social Security payment on Wednesday, December 3. In addition, they will receive a third deposit on December 31, corresponding to the January SSI.
How much money will beneficiaries receive in 2025?
According to the most recent SSA data:
- Retirees: $2,013.32 per month on average
- Maximum Social Security benefit in 2025: $5,108
- Disabled workers (SSDI): $1,588.52
- Survivor benefits: $1,576.20
- SSI beneficiaries: $717.90
New COLA increase: How much is the increase?
December’s payments are the last checks before the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect in 2026.
For the average retiree, this cost-of-living adjustment equates to approximately $56 more per month. The increase applies to all programs administered by the SSA, including retirement, disability and SSI.
How are Social Security payments received?
With the holidays approaching, the payment schedule is especially relevant for retirees, people with disabilities and those in low-income households. The SSA currently issues almost no paper checks and payments are made primarily by:
- Direct deposit into a bank account
- Direct Express card, for those without a bank account