Your First Social Security Check in 2026: What to Expect

KEY TAKEAWAYS Social Security beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% increase in their payments next year, and a new tax deduction will lower the tax burden for many seniors. The Social Security Administration has begun implementing modernization changes to the agency, including all digital payments and a transition away from in-person field offices. If you're collecting Social Security payments next year, there are several changes to the program that will affect your 2026 benefits. Here's what you need to know. The first Social Security check of 2026 will be issued on Jan. 2 for beneficiaries who started collecting Social Security payments before May 1997, as well as those who also receive Supplemental Security Income. Retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits will be paid on Jan. 14 to those born between the first and 10th of any month. Benefits for those born between the 11th and 20th of any month will be distributed on Jan. 21, and those with a birthday between the 21st and 31st of any month will receive their payments on Jan. 28. Why This Matters to You The Social Security program is a critical foundation for the U.S. economy. It benefits more than 70 million Americans and helps drive consumer spending, as most of the payments are spent on food, housing, and health care. Your Benefits Will Grow By 2.8% Next Year The annual cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 Social Security benefits will be 2.8%, or about $56 more per month, starting in January. This increase in benefits is calculated based on inflation during the third quarter of 2025, and is intended to help beneficiaries keep pace with rising costs. However, experts say the 2026 COLA will not be enough for many seniors . In particular, the cost of premiums for Medicare Part B, the federal health insurance used by millions of Americans who are disabled or receive Social Security payments, is expected to rise by 11.6% next year. This increase will completely wipe out the beneficiaries' 2026 COLA increase. On top of that, Social Security experts and advocates note that seniors generally have higher expenses than the average worker, which means the formula used to calculate the annual COLA doesn't accurately reflect the rising costs that most of them face. Everything Will Be Digital The Social Security Administration has taken several steps this year to modernize its systems and payments, and that will continue into the new year. At the end of September, the SSA transitioned to completely digital payments and has completely stopped issuing physical Social Security checks. Beneficiaries who previously received physical payments can opt to get their payments via a direct deposit or a Direct Express card. The modernization changes have also included shrinking staff at in-person field offices , and will instead have that staff support the agency's 800-number. Updates to the Social Security website include a chatbot and a feature that allows Americans to view their Social Security number digitally, among others. These updates, the agency said, will lower wait times on the phone...

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