The Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue benefit payments to millions of Americans next week, following its November distribution calendar.
Who’s Receiving on November 12?
On Wednesday, November 12, payments will go to beneficiaries of retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or survivor benefits whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of the month.
Of the roughly 70 million Americans claiming retirement, SSDI or survivor benefits, most receive payments on the second, third or fourth Wednesday each month—the specific Wednesday is based on the worker’s date of birth whose taxes underlie the benefit entitlement.
November’s Wednesday Payment Schedule
| Birthdate Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1 – 10 | Wednesday Nov 12 |
| 11 – 20 | Wednesday Nov 19 |
| 21 – 31 | Wednesday Nov 26 |
Who Does Not Get a Wednesday Payment in November?
Long-Term Beneficiaries (Pre-May 1997 Claims)
If you began retirement, SSDI or survivor benefits before May 1997, your payment is issued on the third day of each month, regardless of birthdate. For November 2025 this meant Monday, November 3.
SSI Recipients
Those receiving payments through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programme — low-income individuals over 65 or with a disability — are generally paid on the 1st of each month. Because November began on a Saturday, the payment was issued on Friday, October 31.
Dual Beneficiaries (SSI + Regular Social Security)
Some 2.5 million Americans receive both SSI and regular Social Security (retirement/SSDI/survivor) benefits. For November:
- SSI paid on October 31 (Friday)
- Regular Social Security benefit paid on November 3 (Monday)
Is the Government Shutdown Affecting These Payments?
No. Despite the continuing federal government shutdown — now the longest in U.S. history — the SSA has confirmed that benefits distributions will proceed unchanged and on schedule.
Current Benefit Amounts
- Retired workers: average monthly payment is $2,008.31, with a current maximum of $5,108.
- Disabled workers (SSDI): average about $1,582.95 per month.
- Survivor benefits: average around $1,575.30 monthly.
- SSI beneficiaries: average payment about $717.84 per month.
What’s Coming in 2026?
The SSA has announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) effective January 2026. For many retirement benefit recipients, this will mean an average monthly increase of approximately $56
How Are Payments Sent?
Most beneficiaries now receive payments electronically — the SSA is phasing out paper checks. As of September 30 this year, most recipients cannot choose a mailed paper check. Payment methods include:
- Direct deposit: Provide bank account details via the “My Social Security” online portal.
- Direct Express Card: A debit card option for recipients without a bank account.
Conclusion
In summary, millions of Americans will receive their Social Security payments on Wednesday, November 12, provided their birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th of the month. Other groups, including long-term claimants and SSI beneficiaries, follow different schedules. While benefit amounts vary by category, the SSA remains committed to on-time payments—even amid a federal shutdown—and a 2.8% cost-of-living increase is expected in 2026. Knowing your payment date and method helps you plan and confirms you’re receiving the right amount.
FAQs
When exactly will I receive my payment if my birthday is November 15?
If your birthday falls between the 11th and the 20th of the month, your benefit will be paid on Wednesday, November 19.
Why did my payment go out on November 3 instead of a Wednesday?
If you began claiming benefits before May 1997, your payment is scheduled for the third day of each month rather than a Wednesday.
I get both SSI and regular Social Security benefits — how does my payment schedule work?
Dual beneficiaries receive the SSI portion (typically on the 1st of the month) and the regular Social Security portion (based on your birthday schedule). In November 2025, this meant SSI on October 31 and the regular benefit on November 3.
