September came with many problems to the beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They have spent an entire month without seeing the check that always arrives at the beginning of the month!! And the doubts appear soon, of course, where is our money? (In your pocket!!!)
But, wait, let’s be serious. You are not missing a check, listen, the Social Security Administration advanced the payment to August 29, just as it always does when a month begins on a weekend or a national holiday. Do you remember that?
What is SSI?
It is the program that provides financial assistance to people with limited income and resources due to a disability or illness.
But what happened in September
SSI always arrives on the 1st of each month, we know it is the rule, but when the month starts on a weekend or a holiday, the Administration moves the payment to the last day of the previous month to avoid delays or losses, in this case, the check was delivered on August 29, that’s the reason why you haven’t received “anything” this month.
Many beneficiaries thought that this payment had been lost or that there was a system mistake, but no, the money simply arrived earlier. Deposits are never delayed!!
Next deposit
Remember that next deposit is confirmed for October 1, as always. And watch out, because in the middle of the month, we will arrive the announcement of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, but there’s a little spoiler for you, it will not rise more than 2.8%.
The calendar until the end of the year
With this confusion cleared up, it is time to look ahead. These are the dates that appear on the official SSA calendar from now until the end of the year
- October 1: October check.
- October 31: advanced November check (November will not have a check either since the 1st is a holiday)
- December 1: December check.
- December 31: advanced January 2026 check (since the 1st is a holiday)
They are not extra payments, SSA just advances so that no one is left hanging on a weekend or holiday.
The 2026 COLA
If October 1 brings back immediate peace of mind, October 15 will be key for our future checks. SSA will announce that day the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026.
It is the annual increase that compensates inflation (prices from the third quarter are compared with those of the same period the previous year and it is established how much beneficiaries’ income will increase)
Some has advanced a possible 2.7% increase. It is not a spectacular number, we know, but it is better than what was expected at the beginning of 2025 (2.1%). Inflation and problems with economic policies played this game too.
That 2.7% will translate into slightly higher checks starting in January 2026, approximately about $600 more annually, it is little, yes, but it is a help and here we do not complain when the government gives us something.
So, remember, there was no mistake there, neither cuts. As always, payments are advanced so that no one suffers problems when receiving it. Write down the next date, October 1