If you rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Mississippi or anywhere in the United States you might notice something unusual about your payment schedule this winter. While it may look like you are missing a payment in January 2026 there is no need to panic. The Social Security Administration has adjusted the schedule due to the New Year’s holiday meaning your money is simply arriving earlier than usual.
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The Reason Behind the Double Payment
The federal government follows a strict rule for SSI distributions. Payments are scheduled for the first day of every month. However if the first of the month falls on a weekend or a federal holiday the Treasury Department issues the check on the immediately preceding business day. Since January 1, 2026 is New Year’s Day and a federal holiday the payment for that month cannot be processed on that date. Instead it will be sent out on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. This ensures that you have your funds before the holiday begins.
SSI Payment Dates for First Half of 2026
| Benefit Month | Payment Date | Reason for Adjustment |
| January 2026 | Wed, Dec 31, 2025 | New Year’s Holiday |
| February 2026 | Fri, Jan 30, 2026 | Feb 1 is a Sunday |
| March 2026 | Fri, Feb 27, 2026 | Mar 1 is a Sunday |
| April 2026 | Wed, Apr 1, 2026 | Standard Schedule |
| May 2026 | Fri, May 1, 2026 | Standard Schedule |
| June 2026 | Mon, Jun 1, 2026 | Standard Schedule |
Budgeting for the Long Gap
This schedule change results in SSI recipients receiving two separate checks in December 2025. The first check arrived on December 1 and the second will arrive on December 31. While getting paid early feels like a bonus it comes with a challenge. You will not receive another deposit until late January. This creates a longer than usual gap between checks so it is critical to budget your December 31 payment to last through the entire month of January.
A New Pay Raise for 2026
When you receive your second check in December it will look different than the one you got earlier in the month. This payment will reflect the new 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). In October 2025 the Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% increase to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation. On average this boost adds approximately $56 per month to benefits. This extra money will be included in the check arriving on December 31 because that payment technically covers your January eligibility.
Full Schedule for Early 2026
The calendar quirks do not end in January. Because February is a short month and dates shift year to year there are other adjustments to watch for in the first half of 2026. For instance February 1 lands on a Sunday so that payment will also be moved up to the previous Friday. Staying ahead of these dates can help you avoid overdraft fees and manage your bills more effectively.
Key Takeaways for SSI Recipients
- No Check on Jan 1 You will not receive a payment on New Year’s Day.
- Double December You get paid on December 1 and again on December 31.
- Rate Increase The December 31 check includes the new 2.8% COLA increase.
- National Rule While reported widely in Mississippi this schedule applies to all SSI recipients in the U.S.
- Budgeting is Key The money you get on New Year’s Eve is meant to cover your expenses for all of January.
