Social Security January 2026 Payment: 2.8% COLA Increase Arrives Early in December 2025
Jeanette Moore
Published Dec 26, 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that the first payment reflecting the new 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will arrive before the end of 2025, with January 2026 payments brought forward due to the New Year’s Day federal holiday.
SSI and Dual Beneficiaries: January 2026 Payment Moved to December 2025
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SSI is normally paid on the first of the month.
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Because January 1, 2026 is a federal holiday (New Year’s Day), the January 2026 SSI payment is moved to Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
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Dual recipients (Social Security + SSI) received:
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SSI payment on Monday, December 1, 2025
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Social Security payment on Wednesday, December 3, 2025
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January 2026 SSI payment on Wednesday, December 31, 2025
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Read: Social Security Payments For January 2026 Are Coming Early For Some—Here’s The Full Schedule
2025 Average Monthly Payments (Before 2026 COLA)
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Retirees: $2,013.32
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Maximum Social Security benefit: $5,108
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Disabled workers (SSDI): $1,588.52
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Survivor benefits: $1,576.20
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SSI beneficiaries: $717.90
2026 COLA Increase: How Much More?
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The 2.8% COLA takes effect with January 2026 payments.
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For the average retiree, this is about $56 more per month.
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The increase applies to all SSA programs: retirement, disability (SSDI), and SSI.
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