US to phase out most paper checks for federal benefits
The federal government will begin phasing out paper checks for Social Security and other federal payments by September 30.
Cheddar
More than 2 million Social Security recipients in Michigan, and millions more nationwide, are in line to receive a cost of living adjustment, or COLA, starting in January 2026, the Social Security Administration announced earlier this fall.
“On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January,” the U.S. Social Security Administration said in an Oct. 24 release.
Payments will increase 2.8% at the beginning of the year for recipients of Social Security; Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI); and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The 2.8% COLA increase won’t be the only change in 2026. In addition, there will be a higher earnings limits for people who retire early.
About 2.33 million people in Michigan receive some form of Social Security benefits, including about 1.7 million retired workers, as of December 2024.
Here’s what to expect for the 2026 COLA changes:
In addition to benefit increases, here’s what else is new in 2026
According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, here’s what to expect in 2026:
The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax will increase to $184,500.The earnings limit for workers who are younger than full retirement age (67 years old) will increase to $24,480. (there will be a $1 deduction for each $2 earned over $24,480.)The earnings limit for people reaching their full retirement age in 2026 will increase to $65,160. (there will be a $1 deduction for each $3 earned over $65,160, until the month the worker turns full retirement age.)There is no limit on earnings for workers who are at full retirement age or older for the entire year.When will the COLA adjustment take effect?
The 2.8% increase will begin in January 2026. Increased SSI payments will begin with the Dec. 31, 2025, payment, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration.
What is a COLA notice?
Most beneficiaries are set to receive a COLA notice — information regarding the COLA increase — in the “Message Center” of their “my Social Security” account in late November 2025.
How can I log into ‘my Social Security’ account for updates?
My Social Security accounts allow recipients to manage their personal record including the COLA notice or messages securely.
New accounts are created using ID.me or Login.gov, If unable to create your personal my Social Security account, make an appointment with your local Social Security office.
What is the retirement age?
Seniors may begin receiving social security benefits as early as 62, though they will be limited benefits. To receive full benefits, people have to be 67 years old, which is known as the “full retirement age,” according to the U.S. Social Security Administration.
Where are social security offices in Michigan?
There are 48 offices in Michigan, and to find an office near you recipients may use the office locator by entering your zip code on the Social Security’s website.
Full 2025 Social Security payment calendar: Who gets SS payments this week?
Beneficiaries who were born between the 11th and 20th day of their birth month are set to receive their monthly Social Security benefit on Wednesday, Nov. 19, according to the SSA’s payment calendar.
SSI payment schedule for the rest of 2025 and into 2026
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks were set to receive payments on the first business day of the month.
SSI checks will be sent out on the following dates in 2025 and early 2026, according to the SSA calendar:
Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Check for December 2025)Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (Check for January 2026)Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 (Check for February 2026)Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 (Check for March 2026)