Millions of Americans are due to receive their latest Social Security payment this week, with checks of up to $5,181 scheduled to go out on Wednesday. Around 75 million Americans receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Most Social Security beneficiaries are paid according to their date of birth.
Those born between the 1st and 10th receive benefits on the second Wednesday of the month, those born between the 11th and 20th are paid on the third Wednesday, and recipients born between the 21st and 31st are paid on the fourth Wednesday. The latest round of payments come just a few days after new inflation figures provided a much clearer picture of how much Social Security benefits could increase in 2027. The latest forecasts now put next year's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) at roughly 3.4 percent to 3.6 percent, which would be higher than the 2.8 percent increase applied to benefits in 2026.
This week, payments will be made to beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of any month on Wednesday, September 16. There are exceptions who won't get a Social Security payment this week, even if their birthday falls in the assigned period. People who began receiving Social Security before May 1997, along with beneficiaries who receive both Social Security and SSI, generally receive their Social Security payment on the third of the month instead.
SSI is normally paid on the first. The SSA advises recipients who do not receive their payment on the expected date to allow three working days before contacting the agency. The amount a retiree receives depends heavily on their earnings history and the age at which they begin claiming benefits.
For someone who earned at or above the maximum amount subject to Social Security taxes throughout their career, the maximum monthly retirement benefit in 2026 is $2,969 if benefits begin at age 62, $4,152 at full retirement age and $5,181 if benefits begin at age 70, according to the SSA. Most retirees receive considerably less. The latest SSA Monthly Statistical Snapshot shows that the average retired worker received $2,085.98 per month in July 2026.
Across all Social Security beneficiaries, including retirees, survivors and disability recipients, the average payment was $1,940.08. Most workers need 40 Social Security credits to qualify for retirement benefits. In 2026, one credit is earned for every $1,890 in covered earnings, and workers can earn a maximum of four credits per year.
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