Around 70 million people across the United States rely on the Social Security Administration (SSA) for monthly income, whether via retirement or disability benefits. Because of the program’s sheer size, funds are not paid all on one day — they are staggered throughout each month to manage the volume.
Payment Schedule for November
If you’re due a payment this week, here’s the breakdown:
- On Wednesday, November 12, benefits will be paid to individuals whose birthdates fall between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- If the payment hasn’t arrived on the expected date, the SSA recommends waiting three business days before contacting them — weekends and federal holidays do not count as business days.
- If you are not scheduled for this week, your payment may be on one of the upcoming dates:
- Wednesday, November 19 – for birthdates from 11th to 20th.
- Wednesday, November 26 – for birthdates from 21st to 31st.
- The amount each person receives varies based on their lifetime earnings and the number of years they paid into the system.
- As of July, the average retirement payment is about $2,006.69 per month.
- The maximum benefit depends on when you retire: up to $2,831 at age 62, approximately $4,018 at age 67, and as much as $5,108 for those who delay until age 70.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Coming in 2026
Starting January 2026, all SSA programs — including retirement, spousal, survivor, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — will benefit from a 2.8% increase thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
The SSA bases this adjustment on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which tracks inflation using the spending patterns of younger urban workers rather than retirees. Since 1975, the increase has been calculated using CPI-W data from the third quarter (July to September), helping ensure benefits keep pace with rising costs such as housing, food and healthcare.
“It is a promise kept,” said SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “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.”
Conclusion
If your birthdate falls between the 1st and 10th of a month, you should expect your Social Security payment on Wednesday, November 12. For those with later birthdays, your payment will arrive on either November 19 or November 26. Payment amounts vary based on your lifetime contributions and retirement age, with an average current payout of about $2,006.69. Good news for all beneficiaries: a 2.8% COLA increase will kick in from January 2026, helping monthly benefits better match today’s inflation and cost pressures. Stay aware of your payment schedule and know that the SSA is working to keep your benefits aligned with economic changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my Social Security Administration payment doesn’t arrive on the scheduled date?
If the payment hasn’t been received by the date of the scheduled payment plus three business days (excluding weekends and federal holidays), you should contact the SSA for assistance.
How does the SSA decide who gets paid on which date each month?
Payments are staggered by birthdate to help manage the volume of beneficiaries. For example, people born between the 1st and 10th of a month get paid on the first date in the cycle, and those born later get paid on subsequent dates.
Will the cost-of-living adjustment apply to all SSA programs?
Yes. The upcoming 2.8% increase applies to all programs administered by the SSA, including retirement benefits, spousal benefits, survivor benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) starting January 2026.
