If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your January 2026 payment will arrive on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, not on January 1.
Because New Year’s Day is a federal holiday, SSA issues January payments on the preceding business day.
What’s changing and why it matters
Benefits are increasing in 2026 due to a 2.8 % cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For SSI, the federal benefit rate (FBR) rises to $994 per month for an eligible individual and $1,491 for an eligible couple.
An essential-person rate of $498 applies where eligible. These increased rates begin with the January 2026 payment, which is paid on December 31, 2025.
Why the payment comes early
- The “first-of-month” rule means if the 1st is a legal holiday (here, January 1, 2026), SSI is paid on the previous business day.
- January 1 falls on a Thursday and is a federal holiday, so the payment date moves to Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
- If you also receive Social Security in addition to SSI, note that Social Security has a different schedule—only SSI follows this “preceding business day” rule for the 1st-of-month.
Who gets paid early
- Anyone eligible for SSI for January 2026 (individuals or couples meeting income and resource limits) will receive payment on December 31, 2025.
- The payment includes the new 2026 benefit rate, reflecting the 2.8 % COLA increase.
- If you receive both Social Security and SSI, you will see the SSI follow this early payment rule. Social Security payments may appear on their normal schedule regardless.
How you’ll receive it
Most recipients receive SSI via direct deposit or Direct Express debit card. If you receive a paper check, allow for extra mailing time—especially during the holiday period.
If you don’t receive your payment on December 31, check with your bank or card service first, then contact SSA if needed.
Quick reference (future-dated)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit month | January 2026 |
| Official pay date | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 |
| Reason for early date | January 1 is a federal holiday (New Year’s) |
| 2026 SSI amounts (FBR) | $994 (individual), $1,491 (couple), $498 (essential person) |
| COLA for 2026 | +2.8% |
| If payment seems late | For mailed checks, wait 3 extra mailing days, then contact SSA |
Tips to avoid delays
- Use direct deposit or Direct Express to ensure your payment arrives reliably and avoid mailing delays.
- Monitor your online account (“My Social Security”) to confirm your updated 2026 benefit amount and payment date.
- If you’re expecting the increase and notice a lower amount, check if your state offers a separate supplement or if you have countable income reducing your benefit.
For January 2026, SSI recipients will receive their increased benefits (thanks to the 2.8 % COLA) a day early, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
This schedule change is due to the federal holiday on January 1. Make sure your payment method is set up, monitor your account, and plan your budget with the 2026 SSI payment amount in mind.
FAQs
Will my SSI payment be smaller because it comes early?
No. The payment date does not affect the amount. You receive the full benefit rate for January 2026; the only change is that it arrives a day early.
What are the exact payment amounts for 2026?
For 2026, the federal maximums are $994 for an individual, $1,491 for a couple, and $498 if you qualify as an essential person. Your actual payment may change if you have other income or resources.
I didn’t get my payment on December 31 — what should I do?
First, check your bank account or Direct Express card. If you get a paper check, allow extra mailing time (three additional days). If it still hasn’t arrived, contact the Social Security Administration for help.
