Overview
- The Jan. 21 payment covers retirees whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th, following the Jan. 14 wave and ahead of the Jan. 28 tranche for those born after the 21st.
- SSA staggers payments by birth date and advises waiting up to three business days before reporting a missing direct deposit.
- The 2026 COLA raises benefits by 2.8%, an average of about $56 a month, but many recipients will see part of that offset by the Part B premium rising to $202.90.
- February Supplemental Security Income will be paid early on Jan. 30 because Feb. 1 falls on a Sunday, with maximum amounts up to $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples.
- Outlets cite different 2026 maximum monthly benefits at age 70—$5,181 and $5,108—while actual payments vary based on lifetime earnings and the age benefits are claimed.