Social Security January 2026 Payment: 2.8% COLA Increase Arrives Early in December 2025

• Author: Leo Olson
• Posted: 2025-12-27

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that the first payment reflecting the new 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will arrive before the end of 2025, with January 2026 payments brought forward due to the New Year’s Day federal holiday.

Who Gets Social Security and SSI?

• About 74 million Americans receive Social Security benefits (retirement, disability, survivors).

• Around 7 million rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for basic living expenses.

• Payments help cover rent, food, utilities, and medical costs, especially for retirees, people with disabilities, and low‑income households.
  
   

SSI and Dual Beneficiaries: January 2026 Payment Moved to December 2025

• SSI is normally paid on the first of the month.

• Because January 1, 2026 is a federal holiday (New Year’s Day), the January 2026 SSI payment is moved to Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

• Dual recipients (Social Security + SSI) received:

  • SSI payment on Monday, December 1, 2025

  • Social Security payment on Wednesday, December 3, 2025

  • January 2026 SSI payment on Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Read: Social Security Payments For January 2026 Are Coming Early For Some—Here’s The Full Schedule
 

2026 COLA Increase: How Much More?

• The 2.8% COLA takes effect with January 2026 payments.

• For the average retiree, this is about $56 more per month.

• The increase applies to all SSA programs: retirement, disability (SSDI), and SSI.
   

How Social Security Payments Are Delivered

The SSA now issues almost no paper checks. Payments are sent via:

• Direct deposit into a bank account (most common)

• Direct Express® card for those without a bank account
   

What to Do Now

• Check your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount for payment dates and benefit details.

• Ensure your bank or Direct Express information is up to date to avoid delays.

• Watch for the December 31, 2025 SSI deposit if you receive SSI or both SSI and Social Security.

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