When will SSI beneficiaries see their first 2026 COLA payment?

With inflation cooling but still lingering, next year’s Social Security checks will arrive with a modest bump, and the payment schedule is already locked in.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed that nearly 72 million Americans – including retirees, disability recipients and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – will see about a 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2026. That translates to an extra $40 to $60 a month for most beneficiaries. Modest, yes, but for those living on fixed incomes, it can mean groceries, medication or an extra tank of gas.

First payments land on January 3, 2026

Because January 1 is a federal holiday, the SSA will issue the first 2026 COLA-adjusted payments for SSI recipients on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

After that, payments roll out in three waves according to beneficiaries’ birth dates, a staggered schedule designed to ease processing bottlenecks:

Payments arrive by direct deposit or paper check, depending on the recipient’s setup, but direct deposits typically clear faster.

Why your deposit might look smaller

Even with the COLA bump, some retirees may notice less of a gain than expected. Several factors can trim the net amount:

• Higher Medicare Part B premiums, deducted automatically for most enrollees
• Taxable benefits, depending on combined income
• State-level taxes or bank delays, which can temporarily affect delivery

Beneficiaries can confirm exact payment dates and amounts through the My Social Security portal at ssa.gov/myaccount.

What the 2.7% increase says about inflation

The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), measured each third quarter by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This year’s modest rise signals cooling inflation – a sharp contrast to the 8.7% surge seen in 2023 – and suggests a return to pre-pandemic stability.

Economists expect COLA rates to hover between 2.3% and 2.8% through 2028, keeping pace with the current cost environment.

Staying alert to scams

Each fall, scammers try to exploit COLA season by posing as SSA agents.Remember: the SSA never calls, emails, or texts asking for bank or personal details. Legitimate notices arrive by mail or appear in your online account.For reliable updates, use official sources such as ssa.gov/cola or the SSA’s verified social media accounts.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.