The new year is here, bringing changes and updates to Social Security benefits. Specifically, millions of Social Security beneficiaries will receive more money at the end of January following a double payment last month. The Social Security Administration confirmed that some people in the United States will receive a check this January, according to this year’s payment schedule. This is because beneficiaries receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will receive their February checks on Friday, January 30, according to the Social Security payment schedule.
The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) is the agency responsible for setting the 2026 payment schedule for beneficiaries
The fact is that SSI payments are usually issued on the first day of each month, but payments are made earlier when the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday. Remember that the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) is the agency responsible for setting the 2026 payment schedule for beneficiaries who receive monthly benefits, such as pensions. In this case, the ‘extra’ payment occurs due to a scheduling quirk that frequently arises in major programs.
Remember that SSI sends money monthly, just like standard Social Security
As has happened at other times last year, there are months when it seems like people will receive extra income in a single month, but that’s not actually the case. This will happen with February, since the first day of the year falls on a Sunday. For this reason, the payment will be made in advance, on January 30th. Remember that SSI sends money monthly, just like standard Social Security, but it specifically helps those with limited income or resources, who are blind, have another disability, or are 65 or older.
It’s important to remember that in October 2025, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% increase in benefits, which translates to an average increase of $56 per month for retirees in the United States. Approximately 7.5 million Americans received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) last year. Following last year’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase, the payment beneficiaries will receive on January 30 will be the second to reflect the 2.8% increase.
Although some beneficiaries have already received their payment this month, many others have yet to receive it
With this information, Americans who qualify for SSI in the New Year can expect their first payment on January 30, 2026. Although some beneficiaries have already received their payment this month, many others have yet to receive it. For retirees, this depends on their birthdate. On Wednesday, January 14, those born between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive their payment; on Wednesday, January 21, those born between the 11th and 20th of the month will receive theirs; and on Wednesday, January 28, those born between the 21st and 31st of the month will receive theirs.
COLA: although the increase is significant, it is much smaller than in previous years
We remind you that the payment in December was advanced because January 1st was a holiday. While SSI is always issued on the first day of each month, the SSA does not distribute payments for federal holidays or weekends. Therefore, this same group of beneficiaries will also receive their February 2026 payment in January, as explained above. It’s important to note that this isn’t extra cash, but rather getting scheduled money sooner rather than later.
In this way, beneficiaries will begin to notice the changes in 2026, especially the increase in the COLA (Collateralized Allowance for Amounts), which rose from 2.5% in 2025 to 2.8% for the year that has just begun. Although the increase is significant, it is much smaller than in previous years. There are several other changes that SSI and standard Social Security beneficiaries should be aware of in 2026. Therefore, it is recommended to stay informed about changes and updates from official state government sources.