(NEXSTAR) – As if larger paychecks weren’t enough, some workers will start 2026 with a three-paycheck January.

Twice a year, those who are paid bi-weekly receive three checks in a month (if you’re paid weekly, then you get five paychecks instead of four).

When you receive your extra payment depends on when exactly you get paid.

Will I receive an extra paycheck in January?

That depends — did you get an extra paycheck in October? If you can’t remember back that far, take a look at your pay stubs or bank account.

If you were paid on Christmas or the day after Christmas, you won’t see a bonus paycheck until May.

If you were not paid during the week of Christmas, you’ll get three (or five) paychecks in January. They will arrive on January 2, 16, and 30, if you’re paid on Fridays. If you’re paid on Thursdays, then they come the day prior.

Why won’t I have a three-payday January?

Blame the calendar.

There aren’t an even number of weeks to align with the number of months in our calendar year. To get all 52 weeks into our 12-month year, four end up with more Fridays than most.

That ultimately gives way to two months in which you, as a worker paid bi-weekly, get three paychecks. But, whether you get paid during odd-numbered weeks or even-numbered weeks determines which months your extra paychecks come.

For those paid during the first week of January, the next three-payday month is July. If you receive the usual number of paychecks in January, your extra paydays come in May and October.

It’s important to note that whenever you receive an extra check, it isn’t like you won the lottery. Instead, financial experts encourage treating the payments as what they are: a portion of the entire salary you’re entitled to in 2026. If your budget is balanced for the month, they recommend putting the additional funds toward paying down a debt, setting aside for another month, or tucking it away in your savings.