First 2026 Social Security Payments Being Sent Soon: 4 Things to Know

Recipients will see a 2.8 percent boost, with some getting the adjusted payments on Dec. 31.

Blank Social Security checks are run through a printer at the U.S. Treasury printing facility in Philadelphia, Pa., on Feb. 11, 2005. William Thomas Cain/Getty Images

Social Security payments with 2026 adjustments will start being sent out this week, according to the agency’s schedule.

The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be applied to 2026 payments distributed this week. Recipients will see a 2.8 percent boost to their payments.

Payment Schedule for January

Those who also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive their January 2026 payment on Dec. 31, due to Jan. 1 being a federal holiday, according to the agency. People who started receiving retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits before May 1997 will receive their first 2026 payment on Jan. 2.