by Washington, D.C. – Millions of Americans are set to receive their November Social Security benefits this week, as the Social Security Administration (SSA) continues its monthly payment schedule. The staggered payments ensure retirees, people with disabilities, and other beneficiaries receive timely income throughout the month.
Approximately 70 million Americans rely on Social Security as a primary source of income. With such a vast program, the SSA distributes payments in waves rather than a single nationwide date, ensuring the system runs smoothly and efficiently.
Who Gets Paid When
For most recipients, payment schedules are determined by birthdate. However, some groups follow alternative timelines:
- Individuals who started receiving retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits before May 1997
- Those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides support for seniors with limited income or for individuals who are blind or disabled
This week, Wednesday, November 26, benefits will be issued to individuals with birthdays between the 21st and 31st of any month.
Looking ahead to December 2025, the payment schedule is as follows:
- Monday, December 1: SSI payments
- Wednesday, December 3: Social Security payments for those who also receive SSI
- Wednesday, December 10: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th
- Wednesday, December 17: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- Wednesday, December 24: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st
Recipients who have not received their payments by the scheduled date are advised to allow up to three business days before contacting the SSA.
How Much Social Security Pays
Benefit amounts vary based on lifetime earnings and the age at which an individual begins claiming:
- Filing at 62, the earliest age allowed, offers a maximum of $2,831 per month
- Waiting until full retirement age (67) raises the maximum to $4,018 per month
- Delaying until age 70 can yield the highest possible benefit of $5,108 per month
As of August 2025, the average retired worker received $2,008.31 monthly.
2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment
Looking ahead, the SSA confirmed a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, translating to an estimated $56 increase per month for the average retiree. The adjustment will impact all SSA programs, including retirement, spousal, survivor, and SSI benefits, beginning in January 2026.
“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,” said SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano.
The COLA ensures that benefits keep pace with inflation, helping millions of Americans maintain financial stability in retirement.
Are you receiving your Social Security payments on time? Let us know in the comments and share tips for staying informed about your benefits!
