The last two months of the year come with a few changes to the usual Social Security calendar, thanks to Veterans Day, a weekend and New Year’s Day.
In November, one group of beneficiaries gets paid a day early, and SSI recipients won’t get a payment at all because November’s money already arrived on October 30. Then in December, some people will see two deposits, because January’s payment, the first to include the new 3.6% COLA, is sent early on December 31.
Here’s every date you need, so you can plan ahead.
November 2026
| Date | Who gets paid |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, Nov. 3 | People who started Social Security before May 1997, and people who get both Social Security and SSI |
| Tuesday, Nov. 10 | Birthdays on the 1st to 10th (moved up a day because Wednesday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day) |
| Wednesday, Nov. 18 | Birthdays on the 11th to 20th |
| Wednesday, Nov. 25 | Birthdays on the 21st to 31st |
| No SSI payment | November’s SSI was paid early on Friday, Oct. 30, because Nov. 1 is a Sunday |
The Veterans Day change: Normally, people with birthdays on the 1st to 10th are paid on the second Wednesday of the month. In November, that’s the 11th, a federal holiday, so the payment goes out a day early on Tuesday, November 10. The amount doesn’t change.
SSI recipients, take note: The deposit you got on October 30 has to last until the next SSI payment on Tuesday, December 1.
December 2026
| Date | Who gets paid |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, Dec. 1 | SSI recipients (December payment) |
| Thursday, Dec. 3 | People who started Social Security before May 1997, and people who get both Social Security and SSI |
| Wednesday, Dec. 9 | Birthdays on the 1st to 10th |
| Wednesday, Dec. 16 | Birthdays on the 11th to 20th |
| Wednesday, Dec. 23 | Birthdays on the 21st to 31st |
| Thursday, Dec. 31 | January 2027 payment, paid early, for SSI recipients and for people who started Social Security before May 1997 or get both benefits |
Why two payments in December? January 1, 2027 is New Year’s Day, and January 3 falls on a Sunday. So January’s SSI payment, and January’s Social Security payment for the before-May-1997 and dual-benefit group, both move back to Thursday, December 31.
That December 31 deposit is not a bonus. It’s your January money arriving a day or two early, which means there won’t be another payment for these groups in early January. Plan your budget around that.
It’s also the first payment that includes the 3.6% COLA for these groups.
Looking ahead: January 2027
| Date | Who gets paid |
|---|---|
| Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026 | SSI and the before-May-1997 / dual-benefit group (paid early, see above) |
| Wednesday, Jan. 13 | Birthdays on the 1st to 10th |
| Wednesday, Jan. 20 | Birthdays on the 11th to 20th |
| Wednesday, Jan. 27 | Birthdays on the 21st to 31st |
These January payments are the first to include the 3.6% cost-of-living increase. For the average retired worker, that’s about $75 more a month. Your COLA notice, showing your exact new amount, will be in your my Social Security account from late November and in the mail in December.
Not sure which group you’re in?
- Started Social Security after May 1997? Your payment date depends on your birthday: the 2nd, 3rd or 4th Wednesday of the month.
- Claiming on someone else’s record, such as a spouse’s? SSA uses their birthday, not yours, to set the date.
- Started before May 1997, or get both Social Security and SSI? You’re usually paid on the 3rd of the month.
- Only on SSI? You’re paid on the 1st of the month.
If a scheduled date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the money arrives on the business day before. You can always check your exact date in your my Social Security account.
A few budgeting tips
- SSI recipients: The October 30 payment has to stretch through all of November. And the December 31 payment has to cover all of January.
- Everyone: Don’t treat an early payment as extra money. It replaces a later one.
- Watch for scams. Early or double deposits are a favorite hook for scam calls and texts claiming you’ve been “overpaid” or need to “confirm” details. SSA won’t ask you to pay anything or share your bank details by text.
If a payment doesn’t arrive
SSA’s advice is to wait three additional mailing days after your scheduled date. If the money still hasn’t shown up, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local office.
Sources: Kiplinger, Social Security payment schedule for 2027, Advance Local via Yahoo, 2026 Social Security payment schedule and the Social Security Administration.
Jackson is a dedicated USA news writer, who covers important topics such as Social Security payment schedules, COLA increases, IRS tax refunds, stimulus payment announcements, Medicare eligibility, retirement benefits, and changes to state driving laws. His goal is to provide clear, informative, and easy-to-follow articles that help retirees, seniors, taxpayers, and American families stay informed.