Individual benefit amounts vary, but the SSA provides estimated averages<\/a>. With the 2.8% COLA, here\u2019s what the average monthly payments will look like in 2026:<\/p>\n All retired workers: $2,071Surviving spouse with two children: $3,898Aged widow(er) alone: $1,919Disabled worker with spouse and one or more children: $2,937All disabled workers: $1,630<\/p>\n For SSI, the top monthly payments will be $994 for an individual and $1,491 for a couple where both qualify. To estimate your own 2026 benefit, simply add 2.8% to your current amount. The SSA was scheduled to send official notices with exact figures in late November and December.<\/p>\n Who\u2019ll be the first to benefit from the Social Security COLA increase?<\/p>\n The COLA increase applies to benefits for January 2026, but some recipients will see the higher amount in December.<\/p>\n According to the SSA\u2019s official payment schedule<\/a>, SSI benefits are normally paid on the first of each month. However, if that date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are sent on the preceding business day.<\/p>\n Since January 1 is a federal holiday, SSI payments for January will go out on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Here\u2019s the timeline for the first COLA-adjusted payments:<\/p>\n Weds., Dec. 31: SSI benefits (Jan. 2026 payment)Fri., Jan. 2: Benefits for those who began receiving payments before May 1997Weds., Jan. 14: Birthdays between the 1st and 10thWeds., Jan. 21: Birthdays between the 11th and 20thWeds., Jan. 28: Birthdays between the 21st and 31stFri,, Jan. 30: SSI benefits (Feb. 2026 payment)<\/p>\n Related stories Get your game on! Whether you\u2019re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.<\/p>\n![\"When](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765620200_838_2ZEVADU6IFF2DADAX2S5MVVKAA.jpg\")
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