If you rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you might be surprised when you check your bank account in January. There will be no deposit from the Social Security Administration during the first month of the new year. However there is no need to worry because this is simply a change in the schedule and not a missed payment.
The payment that usually arrives in January is being sent early. Because of the holiday calendar recipients will get their funds in December instead. This ensures that everyone has their money available before the holiday closures disrupt banking services.
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Understanding the Holiday Schedule Shift
The Social Security Administration has a standard rule for paying out benefits. SSI checks are typically issued on the first day of the month. However if the first of the month falls on a federal holiday or a weekend the government shifts the payment date to the previous business day.
Since January 1, 2026 is New Year’s Day banks and federal offices will be closed. To avoid delays the government is moving the payment date to the last business day of December. This means your January money will arrive on December 31, 2025.
Double Payments Arriving in December
This scheduling quirk results in a “double payment” month for December. Recipients already received their regular payment for December on the 1st of the month. Now a second check will arrive on December 31st.
It is important to remember that this second check is not a bonus or an extra payment. It is your funds for January arriving early. You will need to budget this money to last through the entire month of January since no other SSI check will come until February starts.
The 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment
There is good news attached to this early payment. The check you receive on December 31 will include the new Cost of Living Adjustment for 2026. According to recent announcements a 2.8% increase goes into effect with the January benefits.
This adjustment is designed to help seniors and people with disabilities keep up with inflation. On average beneficiaries can expect their monthly payments to increase by approximately $56. This extra amount will be reflected in the payment hitting accounts at the end of December.
Planning for the 2026 Payment Calendar
The start of 2026 brings a few more changes to the usual payment routine. Because February 1st and March 1st also fall on weekends in 2026 those payments will be shifted to the previous Fridays.
This means you will get paid early for three months in a row. The check for February will arrive on January 30 and the check for March will arrive on February 27. It is vital to mark these dates on your calendar to manage your household budget effectively.
Key Takeaways for Recipients
- You will receive two SSI payments in December 2025.
- The second payment on December 31 covers January 2026.
- There will be no SSI deposit in January 2026.
- The payment on December 31 will include the 2.8% COLA increase.
- Future payments in early 2026 will also be shifted due to weekends.
Upcoming SSI Payment Schedule
The table below outlines the confirmed payment dates for the first half of 2026 so you can plan ahead.
| Benefit Month | Scheduled Payment Date |
| January 2026 | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 |
| February 2026 | Friday, January 30, 2026 |
| March 2026 | Friday, February 27, 2026 |
| April 2026 | Wednesday, April 1, 2026 |
| May 2026 | Friday, May 1, 2026 |
| June 2026 | Monday, June 1, 2026 |
