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With the arrival of the new year, Social Security payments are subject to cost of living adjustments (COLAs).
According to the Social Security Administration, the January payment for Social Security recipients will be 2.8%, or an average of $56 per month, and will go primarily to elderly or retired recipients.
It is also expected to increase by 2.8%. These are people who have a qualifying disability, have limited means, or who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides benefits to people age 65 and older.
According to the SSA, approximately 71 million Americans receive Social Security and 7.4 million receive SSI.
Social Security changes for 2026
A 2.8% COLA does not necessarily translate into more money for beneficiaries. This is because the 2.8% increase will be reduced by the 2026 Medicare premium increase.
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will increase by $17.90 per month to $202.90, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Many beneficiaries have their Medicare premiums deducted from their Social Security checks, which directly puts pressure on their COLA.
The maximum benefits paid by Social Security will also increase. In 2026, the maximum monthly benefit at full retirement age increases from $4,018 to $4,152. People who wait until age 70 to collect Social Security may be eligible for the highest benefit of $5,251 in 2026.
2026 Social Security Payment Schedule
Social Security recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997 will be paid on January 3, while all other recipients will be paid on Wednesday of each month. Payments are made on the second Wednesday of each month for beneficiaries whose birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, according to the Social Security Administration’s calendar.
According to the SSA calendar, those born between the 11th and 20th are paid on the third Wednesday of the month, and those born after the 20th are paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
The full Social Security and SSI payment schedule for 2026 is as follows:
Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.
