Overview
- Because Jan. 1 is a federal holiday, the January SSI payment arrives on Dec. 31, in addition to the regular Dec. 1 disbursement, and it is not an extra benefit.
- The cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 is 2.8% and first appears in the Dec. 31 SSI payment before rolling across all SSA programs.
- December retirement benefits follow the Wednesday-by-birthday cadence, with payments on Dec. 10, Dec. 17, and Dec. 24.
- People who started benefits before 1997 are paid on fixed dates, receiving their December check on Dec. 3 and their January 2026 payment on Jan. 2.
- Maximums for 2026 include up to $994 for an individual on SSI (couples $1,491; essential caregivers $498) and up to $2,831 at age 62 or $5,108 at age 70 for retirement benefits.