When to Expect Your First Social Security Check of 2026
Social Security payments to retirees reflecting the 2.8% COLA will start arriving January 14.
The first Social Security payments reflecting the 2.8% COLA will arrive in January for most retirees. When you receive your payment, with a few exceptions, is based on your date of birth. If your payment date falls on a federal holiday or weekend, you can expect to receive that month’s payment on the weekday immediately prior. Read the Social Security Payment Schedule for 2026 to find your payment dates through December 2026.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the 2.8% increase will translate to an additional $56 for the average retiree, resulting in an average monthly check of $2,071, up from $2,015 in 2025. Married couples will see an average increase of $88, raising their monthly benefit to $3,208 from $3,120 in 2025.
The COLA has averaged about 2.6% over the past 20 years. It went as low as 0.0% in 2016 amid declining prices, and as high as 8.7% in 2023 when inflation spiked after COVID disruptions.
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Payment date in January | Payment date in February | Date of birth |
|---|---|---|
January 14 | February 11 | If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of the month, you’ll be paid on the second Wednesday of the month |
January 21 | February 18 | If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month, you’ll be paid on the third Wednesday of the month |
January 28 | Feb 25 | If you were born after the 20th of the month, you’ll be paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month |
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments due to disability, age, or blindness you will receive those payments on the 1st of each month. Those receiving SSI benefits will be the first to get the COLA increase when their first January payment arrives on December 31, 2025 because January 1 is a federal holiday.
Your first increased payment will arrive on December 31, 2025 if:
- You filed for benefits before May 1, 1997
- You also receive a SSI payment
- Your Medicare premiums are paid for by the state where you live
- You live in a foreign country
Consider signing-up for a my Social Security account
You can use a my Social Security account to safely manage your personal Social Security information. If you are concerned about mail theft or travel often, you can opt out of mailed notices for those available online.
You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, manage the benefits you already receive and receive updates about the COLA. This account can also be used to update your direct deposit information and get your Social Security 1099 form.
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