Millions of Americans will receive their Social Security payments this week. The Social Security Administration (SSA) plays a crucial role for approximately 70 million individuals who depend on these payments for their monthly income, whether through retirement or disability benefits.
Payment Schedule
Due to the program’s extensive reach, Social Security payments are distributed at different times throughout the month. This staggered schedule ensures smooth processing and delivery.
This Week’s Payments
- Date: Wednesday, November 12
- Beneficiaries: Those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of the month
If you do not receive your payment as scheduled, the SSA advises waiting three business days before seeking assistance. Note that weekends and federal holidays are not considered business days.
Upcoming Payment Dates
- Wednesday, November 19: For individuals born between the 11th and 20th
- Wednesday, November 26: For those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st
Benefit Amounts
Social Security benefit amounts vary based on individual earnings and payroll tax contributions over a lifetime. As of July, the average monthly retirement payment is $2,006.69. The maximum benefit varies by retirement age:
| Retirement Age | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| 62 | $2,831 |
| 67 | $4,018 |
| 70 | $5,108 |
Future Increases in Benefits
Starting in 2026, Social Security benefits will see an increase across all SSA programs due to an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment is set at a 2.8 percent increase and will begin in January.
The SSA calculates COLAs using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which reflects inflation based on the spending habits of younger urban workers, not retirees. This approach has been in place since 1975, ensuring that benefits keep pace with rising costs of living essentials such as housing, food, and healthcare.
According to SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano, “Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to ensure benefits reflect today’s economic realities.” The 2026 COLA will apply to various SSA benefits, including retirement, spousal, survivor, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
