As January 1 is a federal holiday, SSI recipients are scheduled to receive their January 2026 payment a day early—on December 31. The same is set to happen again at the end of January, with SSI payments being paid on the 30th rather than February 1, which is a Sunday.

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment in 2026.

For each month you claim benefits before your full retirement age, you shrink your checks. The reduction adds up to a 6.7% benefits cut in the first three years and a 5% cut for years prior, for a total of a 30% reduction in benefits if you claim at 62 instead of 67. Waiting at least until FRA allows you to avoid these penalties.