Americans will see their Social Security payments arrive this week, part of a system that supports around 70 million people nationwide through retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Because the Social Security Administration (SSA) manages such a large programme, it spreads out payments across the month instead of sending them all on one day.
Who gets paid this week?
On Wednesday, November 12, the SSA will send payments to beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of any month. If your payment does not show up on its scheduled date, the SSA recommends waiting three business days before contacting them for help. Remember, weekends and federal holidays do not count as business days.
Payment dates in November
If you are not due for a payment this week, your turn may come later this month. The remaining payment dates for November are:
Wednesday, November 19 For people born between the 11th and 20th.
Wednesday, November 26:For people born between the 21st and 31st.
How much are people going to receive?
Social Security benefits vary based on a person’s lifetime earnings, years of contributions, and retirement age. As of July 2025, the average monthly retirement payment is $2,006.69. However, higher earners or those who delay retirement can receive more:
- Retire at 62 – Up to $2,831 per month
- Retire at 67 – Up to $4,018 per month
- Retire at 70 – Up to $5,108 per month
Starting in January 2026, all Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8% increase in their payments, thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
The SSA uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) to determine this adjustment.
The CPI-W tracks inflation based on the spending patterns of working Americans, ensuring benefits rise in line with the cost of essentials like housing, food, and healthcare.
Why COLA matters
Since 1975, COLAs have been calculated every year using CPI-W data from July through September. This helps Social Security payments keep pace with inflation and maintain their real-world value.
“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security,” wrote SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano in a statement.
Who will benefit?
The 2026 COLA increase applies to all SSA programmes, including retirement benefits, spousal and survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Beneficiaries will see the increase reflected in their January 2026 payments, helping millions of Americans better keep up with the rising cost of living.