Social Security Payment January 28: As January is coming to an end many people in the United States are waiting for their Social Security money. The Social Security Administration is close to finishing this month’s payment schedule. Most beneficiaries will receive their January payment in the middle of next week.
On Wednesday, Jan. 28, the SSA will send payments to some people who get retirement benefits Social Security Disability Insurance and survivor benefits. This payment is part of the normal monthly system used by Social Security.
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How Social Security Decides Payment Dates?
Social Security does not send money to everyone on the same day. Payments are spread across the month. Out of about 70.5 million people who receive benefits most are paid on the second third or fourth Wednesday of every month. The exact Wednesday depends on the birthday of the worker whose job history earned the benefit.
If you get benefits based on your own work then your birthday is used. If you get benefits from a spouse parent or another family member then Social Security looks at that person’s birthday instead.
January has three main payment dates based on birthdays
- Born 1st–10th: Wednesday, Jan. 14
- Born 11th–20th: Wednesday, Jan. 21
- Born 21st–31st: Wednesday, Jan. 28
The Jan. 28 payment is the last one in this three-Wednesday cycle. This month feels longer for many people because New Year’s Day 2026 fell on a Thursday. That pushed all Wednesday payments to the latest possible dates in January.
Who Gets Paid Outside the Normal Cycle
Some people do not follow the three-Wednesday rule. Those who started receiving retirement SSDI or survivor benefits before May 1997 are usually paid on the 3rd of each month. Since Jan. 3 was a Saturday their payment was sent early on Friday, Jan. 2.
People who receive Supplemental Security Income have a different schedule. SSI is usually paid on the 1st of the month. Because Jan. 1 was a holiday SSI payments for January were sent early on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. February SSI will also arrive early. Since February starts on a weekend SSI recipients will get that payment on Friday, Jan. 30.
Some people receive both SSI and regular Social Security. About 2.5 million Americans fall into this group. For January they received SSI on Dec. 31 and Social Security on Jan. 2.
How Much Money People Receive?
Based on the latest data from December 2025 retired workers received about $2,071.30 each month on average. Disabled workers received around $1,633.19. Survivor benefit recipients got about $1,620.95 each month. SSI payments averaged $714.53.
The SSA has already confirmed a 2.8% increase for 2026. This cost-of-living adjustment started with January payments and helps people handle rising prices.
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How Payments are sent?
Social Security mostly sends money electronically now. The agency says it is “in most cases” no longer offering paper checks. People can choose direct deposit by giving their bank details to the SSA. Retirement SSDI and survivor beneficiaries can update details online using the my Social Security portal. SSI recipients need to call 1-800-772-1213.
Another option is the Direct Express Card. This is a debit card made for people who do not have a bank account. Money is added directly to the card each month. People can sign up by calling 1-800-333-1795 or visiting the Direct Express website.
