In 2026, Social Security recipients will see their monthly checks grow by 2.8%. But when exactly will you receive the first of those somewhat fatter checks?
As it turns out, it generally depends on your birth date — specifically, the number of the day on which you were born. For example, if your birthday is June 3, the important number to remember is “3.”
There are some exceptions to this rule, though. Read on for a breakdown of factors that can affect when the Social Security Administration cuts your checks.
The Social Security benefits payment schedule
Although the COLA kicks in for the entire program in January, your own first check that reflects the 2026 COLA likely will arrive on the following schedule:
- If your birthday falls on days 1 through 10: You receive your payments on the second Wednesday of each month, meaning you will receive your first payment with the COLA on Jan. 14.
- If your birthday falls on days 11 through 20: You receive your payments on the third Wednesday of each month, meaning you will receive your first payment with the COLA on Jan. 21.
- If your birthday falls on days 21 through 31: You receive your payments on the fourth Wednesday of each month, meaning you will receive your first payment with the COLA on Jan. 28.
Again, there are multiple exceptions to this schedule. Let’s take a look at a couple of them.
Exception for certain Social Security recipients
People who started receiving their Social Security retirement benefits before May 1997 typically receive their payments on the third day of each month. In 2026, the third day of January falls on a Saturday, so people in this category will receive their first payment with the 2026 COLA on Jan. 2.
One exception to this exception: People who started receiving benefits after May 1997 but receive benefits based on someone else’s earnings record — which is the case with spousal benefits and survivor’s benefits — receive payments based on the birthday of that person rather than their own birthday.
Exception for SSI recipients
People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in addition to Social Security benefits typically receive their Social Security payments on the third day of each month, meaning most will receive their first one with the 2026 COLA on Jan. 2 (because Jan. 3 falls on a Saturday).
Their first SSI payment with the new COLA will arrive on Dec. 31, 2025, however. These payments are usually distributed on the first day of each month, but Jan. 1 is a federal holiday.
SSI benefits are income supplements for people who are elderly, blind or disabled, and who have little to no income.
When should you claim Social Security?
Deciding when to enroll in Social Security can be tricky. For many people, it pays to wait as long as possible to start receiving benefits, up to age 70, since your monthly benefit amount increases each year you wait. But others might benefit from taking benefits sooner, even as early as age 62, which is the earliest most people can claim them.
Wondering which option is right for you? Check out:
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