by Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security will receive their monthly payments this week. The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes benefits to more than 70 million people, including retirees, disabled workers, and the families of deceased wage earners. To manage the large volume of recipients, payments are staggered across the month.
Payments Scheduled for August 20
On Wednesday, August 20, individuals receiving retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of any month will get their checks.
How Much is Social Security?
As of May 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit was $2,002.39. An SSA spokesperson told Newsweek that benefits are based on a worker’s highest 35 years of earnings. Each new group of retirees tends to raise the average since their benefit calculations reflect higher wages.
Actual benefit amounts vary depending on lifetime earnings and the age at which payments begin. Those claiming benefits at the earliest age of 62 may receive up to $2,831 per month. Waiting until full retirement age of 67 raises the maximum to $4,018, while the highest payout of $5,108 per month is available to those who wait until age 70.
Benefits Boost Expected in 2026
Social Security benefits are adjusted each year through a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) tied to inflation. The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) recently projected a 2.7 percent COLA for 2026, slightly higher than earlier estimates of 2.6 percent in June and 2.5 percent in May due to rising consumer prices.
TSCL executive director Shannon Benton said, “While a higher COLA would be welcome because monthly benefits will increase, many will be disappointed. Our research shows many seniors believe the COLA does not adequately capture the inflation they experience.”
If the 2.7 percent estimate holds, the increase will be reflected in monthly payments beginning January 2026. The official COLA, determined by the SSA each fall, will be announced in October.
Remaining August Social Security Payments
Those who have not yet received their payments will be issued checks later in the month:
- Wednesday, August 27: Benefits for birthdays between the 21st and 31st.
- Friday, August 29: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Normally issued on September 1, the payment comes early this year because the date falls on Labor Day.
The SSA advises recipients to wait three working days after the expected payment date before inquiring about missing checks.
