A Social Security benefit payment is scheduled for next Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and it will go out to a selected group of recipients based on their birthdates and benefit type.
This payment is part of the routine monthly disbursement from the Social Security Administration (SSA), and millions of Americans rely on these benefits for retirement income, disability support, or survivor benefits.
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Below is the latest information, facts, and figures about the upcoming payment, who gets it, and how the system works.
What Is the Social Security Payment Next Wednesday?
The Social Security Administration issues monthly benefit payments to eligible recipients, and in January 2026, one of these payments will be distributed on Wednesday, January 14.
This date corresponds to the second Wednesday of the month, a scheduled payment date for people whose birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month.
This payment is not a special bonus or additional check beyond the usual monthly benefit — it is part of the regular Social Security benefit schedule used throughout the year.
How Payment Dates Are Determined
The SSA uses a fixed schedule that determines the payment date based on the recipient’s date of birth:
- Born on 1–10: Paid on the second Wednesday of the month
- Born on 11–20: Paid on the third Wednesday
- Born on 21–31: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
Recipients who began benefits before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) follow a different schedule, often with a fixed date or early payment if holidays affect timing.
Latest Cost‑of‑Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026
For 2026, Social Security and SSI benefits increased by 2.8% to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation. This adjustment affects the amount recipients receive in their January checks and beyond.
The COLA increase applies starting with the January 2026 benefit paid out in this cycle.
Who Receives the January 14 Payment?
The group of beneficiaries receiving payments on January 14, 2026 includes:
- Retirees who receive monthly retirement income
- Disabled workers who qualify under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Survivors receiving survivor benefits
- Recipients who depend on Social Security as a major source of monthly funds
Eligible beneficiaries must have a birthdate between the 1st and the 10th of any month to receive the payment on this specific Wednesday.
January 2026 Payment Schedule Overview
Below is a table showing the Social Security payment dates for January 2026:
| Payment Category | Date | Who Gets It |
|---|---|---|
| SSI Recipients | December 30, 2025 | Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries |
| Birthdate 1–10 | January 14, 2026 | Social Security retirement/disability/survivors |
| Birthdate 11–20 | January 21, 2026 | Social Security recipients |
| Birthdate 21–31 | January 28, 2026 | Social Security recipients |
| Combined SSI & Social Security | January 3, 2026 | Dual‑benefit recipients |
Note: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) payments are typically scheduled for the first of each month, but federal holidays like New Year’s Day can result in early payment the previous business day.
How Much Will Beneficiaries Receive?
The actual amount each person receives can vary widely. Monthly benefits depend on a person’s earnings history, age when benefits started, and type of benefit (retirement, disability, survivor, or SSI).
The 2.8% COLA increase in 2026 means most individuals will see higher monthly payments than in 2025, but the exact dollar amount is unique to each beneficiary.
The upcoming Social Security payment on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 is a normal part of the SSA’s payment schedule and will go to beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between 1st and 10th of any month.
The SSA’s payment calendar, cost‑of‑living adjustment, and birthdate‑based schedule determine when and how individuals receive their monthly benefits.
Understanding the schedule helps recipients plan their finances and ensure they receive their full, adjusted benefits on time.
FAQs
Who gets the Social Security payment on January 14, 2026?
Recipients born between the 1st and the 10th of any month and who receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits are scheduled for payment on January 14, 2026.
What is the COLA increase for Social Security in 2026?
Social Security and SSI benefits increased by 2.8% in 2026 to adjust for inflation.
Why did some SSI recipients get paid early?
SSI payments are normally issued on the first of the month, but because January 1, 2026 was a federal holiday, the January SSI payment was deposited early on December 30, 2025.