Overview
- The 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment is now reflected in January payments for both Social Security and SSI, adding about $56 a month on average.
- The standard Medicare Part B premium increases to $202.90 in January, which will reduce many beneficiaries’ take-home gains.
- The average retired-worker benefit is about $2,071 in 2026, with maximums rising to $4,152 at full retirement age and $5,251 for those claiming at 70.
- Monthly payments follow the birthdate-based schedule: birthdays on the 1st–10th pay on the second Wednesday, 11th–20th on the third, and 21st–31st on the fourth; those who started benefits before May 1997 are paid on the 3rd.
- SSI recipients received their January payment on Dec. 31, 2025 due to the holiday schedule, and the February SSI payment will be issued on Jan. 30, with the SSA posting the full 2026 calendar.