Social Security and SSI payment schedule: 3 payments in December: Why Social Security and SSI checks are arriving early before New Year’s Day & who gets a bigger check on December 31
2026 COLA increase will increase SSI checks starting December 31
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their January payments early, with checks scheduled to be paid on December 31, according to the report. The early payment occurs because January 1 is a federal holiday and Social Security payments are always made before the first day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday.
SSI recipients will receive their January payments early due to the New Year’s holiday
This early check will also reflect the newly announced cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. The federal government increased the COLA from 2.5% in 2025 to 2.8% for 2026. As a result, individual SSI recipients will see their monthly benefits increase from $967 to $994, The Sun reports. Payments for couples receiving SSI will increase from $1,450 to $1,491.
About 7.5 million people receive Social Security benefits, and all of them will see the increased payment arrive a day earlier than usual.
Also read: Why does your year-end bonus look lighter this year? Taxes, fees and hidden deductions announced
Some Americans will receive three Social Security-related payments in December
For the approximately 2.5 million Americans who receive both SSI and Social Security benefits, December will include three payments: an SSI payment on December 1, a regularly scheduled Social Security payment based on birth dates, and an early SSI payment on December 31, The Sun reports.
February and March SSI payments also arrive earlier than planned
Calendar-driven shifts won’t end there. Since February 1 falls on a Sunday, SSI recipients will receive their February payments on January 30. March payments will also arrive early and SSI checks will be cut on February 27, since March 1 falls on Sunday. The next time a similar double-payment situation occurs won’t occur until July 2026. Also read: 5 expert-backed ways to start the new year with less debt and more breathing room
Social Security benefits increase in 2026 after COLA adjustment
Social Security recipients will also see higher monthly payments in 2026 due to the COLA increase. A worker retiring at full retirement age will receive $4,152 per month, down from $4,018 in 2025. The maximum benefit for retirees at age 70 will increase from $5,108 to $5,251.
Breakdown of January and February 2026 Social Security payment dates
Social Security payments continue to follow the normal Wednesday schedule based on birth dates. In January 2026, those born between January 1-10 will receive their payments on January 14, those born between 11-20 will receive their payments on January 21, and those born between 21-31 will receive their payments on January 28. SSI payments for January will be made on January 30.
For February 2026, SSI payments are planned to be February 11, February 18 and February 25, and SSI payments are planned to be February 27, depending on the date of birth.
FAQ
How much will SSI payments increase in 2026?
Individual SSI benefits will increase from $967 to $994, while couples will increase from $1,450 to $1,491.
Why will some people receive three payments in December?
Approximately 2.5 million people who receive both SSI and Social Security will receive an SSI payment on December 1, a regular Social Security payment, and an early SSI payment on December 31.
