The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific calendar to distribute the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). For the majority of the 75 million beneficiaries, the first increased payment arrives in January 2026. However, the exact day depends on your date of birth. If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th, your check arrives on January 14. Those born between the 11th and 20th will see their raise on January 21.