How Your 2026 Social Security Raise Will Roll Out: A Timeline for Recipients

Social Security recipients getting a raise in 2026 is confirmed. The Social Security Administration has locked in a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the upcoming year—a meaningful bump compared to 2025’s 2.5% increase, though it falls short of the larger adjustments seen in the immediate post-pandemic period.

The real question most beneficiaries are asking: When will this extra money actually hit their accounts?

Your Payment Schedule for the 2026 Increase

The timing of when Social Security recipients getting the benefit boost depends on two factors: the type of benefit you collect and your birth date.

For SSI Recipients: Those receiving Supplemental Security Income will see their enhanced payments beginning December 31, 2025—slightly earlier than other benefit categories.

For Traditional Social Security Benefits: The increase takes effect with January 2026 payments, but the specific date you receive that deposit follows a birthday-based schedule:

• Born between the 1st-10th of the month: Second Wednesday of January (Jan. 14, 2026)
• Born between the 11th-20th of the month: Third Wednesday of January (Jan. 21, 2026)
• Born between the 21st-31st of the month: Fourth Wednesday of January (Jan. 28, 2026)

This staggered approach helps the Social Security Administration manage processing across millions of beneficiaries. Mark your calendar accordingly so you know when to expect the deposits.

Advance Notification and Account Information

You won’t be caught off-guard. Throughout December, the Social Security Administration will mail COLA adjustment notices to all affected recipients. These letters will specify exactly how much your benefit will increase.

If you prefer not to wait for postal delivery, you can log into your MySocial Security account in early December to see the exact adjustment amount. The agency has requested that if you don’t receive your mailed notification immediately, avoid calling until January, as processing times may vary.

The Medicare Factor: Understanding Your Net Increase

Here’s an important caveat: while the 2.8% sounds like your full raise, it won’t be if you’re enrolled in Medicare. Part B premiums are projected to increase substantially in 2026, and these premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security checks. This means your actual deposit increase will be noticeably smaller than the 2.8% COLA adjustment.

When planning your 2026 retirement budget and determining withdrawals from 401(k) accounts or other sources, account for this Medicare premium offset. The gross benefit increase and your net deposit increase are two different numbers.

Planning Ahead with This Timeline

Social Security recipients getting this advance notice have an opportunity to adjust their retirement planning accordingly. By understanding both when the money arrives and how Medicare impacts your net benefit, you can make more informed decisions about your overall cash flow for 2026. This 2.8% COLA, while welcome, should be factored into your broader retirement income strategy rather than assumed as a full spending increase.