Social Security Payments for January 2026 Are Coming Early for Some—Here’s the Full Schedule

Americans who rely on Social Security, SSDI, or SSI benefits will see January 2026 payments arrive on different dates than usual, thanks to federal holidays and weekend adjustments.

If you receive monthly benefits, knowing exactly when your money hits is critical—especially at the start of the year, when bills, rent, and medical costs often pile up.

Here’s what beneficiaries need to know about the January 2026 Social Security payment schedule.

SSI Recipients Will Be Paid Early

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your January payment will not arrive in January.

SSI payment date: December 31, 2025

This early payment is due to New Year’s Day (January 1) being a federal holiday. The Social Security Administration issues SSI on the last business day before the holiday.

Social Security & SSDI Payments by Birthday

Most retirees, survivors, and SSDI recipients who began receiving benefits after May 1997 are paid based on their birth date:

• Born 1st–10th: January 14, 2026

• Born 11th–20th: January 21, 2026

• Born 21st–31st: January 28, 2026

All payments are sent on Wednesdays.

Paid on the 3rd of the Month? Here’s Your Date

Some beneficiaries are paid on a fixed date rather than by birthday. This includes people who:

• Started receiving Social Security before May 1997

• Receive both SSI and Social Security

For January 2026, that payment will arrive on:

• Friday, January 2, 2026

(The usual January 3 date falls on a Saturday.)

Read: Social Security Recipients Could See Health Insurance Costs Rise in 2026

January 2026 Social Security Payment Dates at a Glance

• Dec 31, 2025: SSI payment

• Jan 2, 2026: Social Security (3rd-of-the-month group)

• Jan 14, 2026: Birthdays 1–10

• Jan 21, 2026: Birthdays 11–20

• Jan 28, 2026: Birthdays 21–31

What If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive?

The SSA recommends waiting three business days before reporting a missing payment. Beneficiaries can also check their my Social Security account for real-time updates and deposit confirmations.

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