Summary
In January 2026, Social Security payments for many seniors in the U.S. will arrive later than usual due to the calendar layout. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will distribute payments on different Wednesdays, while direct deposit can help avoid future delays.
Key Facts
- Over 70 million Americans get monthly Social Security benefits.
- In January 2026, because January 1 lands on a Thursday, payments will be delayed.
- Payment dates will be on different Wednesdays based on birth dates: January 14, 21, and 28.
- Those who started receiving payments before May 1997 will get payments on January 2.
- SSI and some retirement payments will arrive on December 31, 2025, and January 2, 2026.
- Benefits will increase by 2.8% starting in January 2026, in line with inflation adjustments.
- Switching to direct deposit can prevent issues with mail delivery delays for payments.
