Social Security to Distribute Payments Up to $5,108 This Week

Millions of Americans are set to receive their Social Security payments this week, reflecting the critical role of the program in providing financial support.

Social Security Payment Schedule

Approximately 70 million individuals depend on the Social Security Administration (SSA) for their monthly income, which comes from retirement and disability benefits. Due to the program’s expansive reach, payments are made on staggered dates throughout the month.

Upcoming Payment Dates

This week, on Wednesday, November 12, payments will be distributed to beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of the month. For those not receiving payments this week, the SSA has additional scheduled payment dates:

• Wednesday, November 19: Benefits for beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th.
• Wednesday, November 26: Benefits for those with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st.

If a payment does not arrive as scheduled, beneficiaries should wait three business days, excluding weekends and federal holidays, before seeking assistance.

Social Security Benefit Amounts

The amount of Social Security benefits received varies based on an individual’s lifetime earnings and payroll tax contributions. As of July, the average monthly retirement benefit is approximately $2,006.69. The maximum benefit amounts are determined by the age at which an individual retires:

• Up to $2,831 for those retiring at age 62.
• Up to $4,018 for retirement at age 67.
• As high as $5,108 for individuals who defer retirement until age 70.

Future Increases in Benefits

Starting in 2026, beneficiaries will experience an increase in their Social Security payments due to the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA). In October, the SSA announced a 2.8 percent increase for the following year.

The COLA is determined using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which tracks inflation based on spending patterns. This adjustment aims to ensure that benefits reflect rising costs in essential areas such as housing, food, and healthcare.

“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,” stated SSA commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “The COLA is vital in maintaining the foundation of security for millions.”

The 2026 COLA will apply to all programs administered by the SSA, including retirement, spousal, survivor, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), with increases beginning in January.