2026 Social Security COLA Boost and 50% Field Office Visit Cut Announced

A new year’s check for millions of retirees and disability beneficiaries is set to arrive a bit larger than last year’s, thanks to a 2.8 percent cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates the average benefit for all retired workers will rise from $2,015 to $2,071.

Payment Timing for Supplemental Security and Social Security

The first 2026 payment schedule will differ for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and those who receive both SSI and Social Security. Because New Year’s Day, January 1, is a federal holiday, the SSA will issue SSI payments on Wednesday, December 31, 2025—an early release that precedes the normal schedule. SSI recipients who also receive Social Security benefits will receive their combined payments on January 2, 2026.

Social Security payments, on the other hand, are distributed on a birthday‑based schedule. The dates are:

• January 14 for those born between the 1st and 10th of the month
• January 21 for birthdays between the 11th and 20th
• January 28 for those born between the 21st and 31st

These dates apply to all beneficiaries who receive only Social Security.

50% Reduction in Field Office Visits

Alongside the COLA increase, the SSA is proposing a 50 percent cut in field office visits for fiscal year 2026. The agency’s internal field office operating plan, shared with The Associated Press, sets a target of no more than 15 million visits by members of the public in 2026. This represents a sharp decline from the 31.6 million visits recorded from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.

Field offices have long served as the public face of the SSA, offering in‑person assistance for retirement and disability applications, Social Security card renewals, and other essential services. The planned reduction will significantly impact how beneficiaries access these services.

Impact on Beneficiaries

The 2.8 percent COLA is intended to offset inflation and increase the purchasing power of retirees and disability recipients. However, the simultaneous Medicare premium hike—though not detailed in the announcement—may erode some of the benefit gains.

The proposed cut in field office visits could create additional hurdles for beneficiaries who rely on in‑person support, especially those with limited digital access or mobility challenges. The SSA’s decision to halve visits underscores a broader shift toward digital and remote service delivery.

Key Takeaways

• COLA 2026: 2.8 percent increase, raising average benefit from $2,015 to $2,071.
• Payment dates: SSI checks on Dec. 31, 2025; combined SSI and Social Security on Jan. 2, 2026; Social Security only checks on Jan. 14, 21, or 28 based on birthday.
• Field office visits: Planned 50 percent reduction to no more than 15 million visits in FY 2026, down from 31.6 million in the previous year.

The SSA’s dual announcement of a COLA increase and a significant reduction in field office visits highlights the agency’s efforts to balance financial adjustments for beneficiaries with operational changes aimed at streamlining service delivery.

Closing Thoughts

As the new year approaches, millions of Social Security and Supplemental Security beneficiaries can expect a modest bump in their first 2026 payments. At the same time, the agency’s move to cut field office visits by half may require beneficiaries to adapt to new ways of accessing services. The full impact of these changes will unfold as the payments roll out and the SSA implements its revised field office strategy.