January 2027 is the first month Social Security checks include the 3.6% cost-of-living increase. Here’s exactly when each group gets paid. Some January money arrives on December 31, 2026.
January 2027 Social Security payment schedule
| Who | Payment date |
|---|---|
| SSI (January payment) | Thursday, December 31, 2026 |
| Started benefits before May 1997, or get both Social Security and SSI | Thursday, December 31, 2026 |
| Birthday on the 1st–10th | Wednesday, January 13, 2027 |
| Birthday on the 11th–20th | Wednesday, January 20, 2027 |
| Birthday on the 21st–31st | Wednesday, January 27, 2027 |
Why some January payments come in December: SSI is normally paid on the 1st and the “3rd of the month” group on the 3rd. In 2027, January 1 is a holiday (Friday) and January 3 is a Sunday, so both payments move to the last business day before, Thursday, December 31, 2026.
There’s no SSI deposit during January 2027. The next SSI payment is Monday, February 1.
How much more will I get in January 2027?
Benefits rise 3.6%. SSA estimates the average retired worker goes from $2,095 to $2,170 a month, about $75 more. The average disabled worker goes from $1,642 to $1,701. Use our table in Social Security COLA 2027 to estimate your own increase.
Your January deposit may not rise by the full 3.6% if your Medicare Part B premium also goes up for 2027. The premium comes out of your check before it’s deposited.
SSI amount in January 2027
The maximum federal SSI payment is $1,029 for an individual and $1,544 for a couple, paid on December 31, 2026. See SSI payment amount 2027.
Next payment dates
| February 2027 | Date |
|---|---|
| SSI | Monday, February 1 |
| 3rd-of-month group | Wednesday, February 3 |
| Birthday 1st–10th | Wednesday, February 10 |
| Birthday 11th–20th | Wednesday, February 17 |
| Birthday 21st–31st | Wednesday, February 24 |
Full year: Social Security payment schedule 2027 · SSI payment schedule 2027 · SSDI payment schedule 2027.
Frequently asked questions
When is the first Social Security payment of 2027?
December 31, 2026 for SSI and the 3rd-of-month group. For everyone else it’s January 13, 2027 (birthdays on the 1st–10th).
Why didn’t I get an SSI payment in January?
January’s SSI was paid early on December 31, 2026. Check your deposits for that date.
When will I see my new 2027 benefit amount?
SSA mails COLA notices in December. They’re also posted in the Message Center of your my Social Security account.
Sources: SSA payment schedule, SSA 2027 COLA Fact Sheet.
