Millions of Americans will receive their Social Security payments this week, with some getting over $5,000. These payments are important because they help many retired, disabled, or survivor beneficiaries manage their monthly expenses. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends out these benefits every month to over 70 million people. Understanding when and how these payments are made can help beneficiaries plan better.
How Social Security Payments Are Distributed
The SSA divides Social Security payments throughout the month based on when you were born and whether you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This week, payments for retirement, spousal, and survivor benefits are scheduled for Wednesday, May 21. This date applies to people born between the 11th and 20th of any month. However, those who get SSI and Social Security together usually receive their payments earlier in the month.
If you do not receive your expected payment on the scheduled date, the SSA suggests waiting three business days before contacting them to avoid unnecessary delays.
Understanding Social Security Benefit Amounts
The average Social Security retirement payment as of January 2025 is $1,976 per month. The exact amount depends on when you start collecting your benefits. If you retire early at age 62, your monthly payment could be up to $2,831. Waiting until full retirement age (67) increases it to $4,018, and waiting until age 70 raises the maximum to $5,108. These numbers depend on your past earnings and the amount of Social Security tax you paid during your working years.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the highest monthly payment in 2025 is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples. The actual amount you receive may be less depending on your income and living situation.
Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) and What to Expect in 2026
Every year, Social Security benefits may increase to keep up with inflation through a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). In 2025, the COLA was 2.5%, meaning benefits rose by that amount to help cover higher prices. For 2026, experts like The Senior Citizens League and policy analyst Mary Johnson expect a smaller increase of about 2.4%.
Although some retirees might see this smaller increase as a downside, financial experts say it is a positive sign because it shows inflation is slowing down. This means prices are starting to stabilize, which can be good for the overall economy and for people living on fixed incomes. The official COLA for 2026 will be announced by the SSA in October 2025.
Upcoming Social Security Payment Dates
If you haven’t received your payment yet, here are the next payment dates from the SSA this month:
On Wednesday, May 28, people born between the 21st and 31st of any month will get their retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits.
On Friday, May 30, SSI payments for June will be sent out. This is a little earlier than usual because the regular payment date falls on a weekend.
Social Security payments are a vital source of income for millions of Americans, especially retirees, survivors, and people with disabilities. These payments are scheduled based on birthdates and other factors like SSI benefits. The average payment amount depends on when you start collecting, with bigger payments for those who wait longer.
The yearly cost-of-living adjustment helps protect these benefits from inflation, though the increase expected in 2026 might be slightly lower than in 2025. Knowing the exact payment dates and amounts can help beneficiaries manage their finances better and avoid confusion if payments are delayed. The Social Security Administration continues to ensure timely payments to support the financial well-being of many Americans.
