Social Security payments are scheduled to arrive for millions of Americans this week, providing crucial financial support to retirees, disabled workers, and other beneficiaries. These payments are a vital source of income for a large portion of the population. According to Newsweek, the distribution process is managed carefully to ensure timely access for all recipients.
In this article, we’ll explore the key dates and figures related to this week’s payments, as well as what beneficiaries can expect moving forward, including potential changes in benefit amounts and important updates like the upcoming cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
Key Dates for Your Social Security Payment
Social Security payments are issued on specific dates throughout the month, determined by the beneficiary’s birth date. For the upcoming round of payments, September 17 is the scheduled date for individuals whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of any month. These payments are part of the SSA’s system to distribute benefits to over 74 million people each month.
If a payment doesn’t appear on the scheduled date, beneficiaries are advised to wait up to three business days before contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA). It’s important to note that weekends and federal holidays are not counted as business days, so if the payment hasn’t appeared yet, be patient and wait for the official timeline to pass before reaching out.
How Much Can You Expect from Social Security?
The amount you receive from Social Security depends on several factors, including how long you’ve worked and contributed to the system. As of January 2025, the average Social Security retirement benefit is projected to be around $2,006.69 per month.
However, the maximum possible benefit varies based on when you start claiming your Social Security benefits:
- $2,831 per month if you start at age 62.
- $4,018 per month if you wait until your full retirement age, typically 67.
- $5,108 per month if you delay claiming benefits until age 70.
These amounts are based on your lifetime earnings and the years you’ve paid into the Social Security system. The choice of when to begin receiving benefits can significantly affect the monthly payment you’ll receive, so it’s important to plan according to your retirement goals.
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026: What to Expect
One of the most talked-about aspects of Social Security is the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which adjusts benefits to help keep pace with inflation. In October 2025, beneficiaries will learn the official COLA increase for 2026, and estimates suggest it could be around 2.7%. This increase is critical for maintaining purchasing power amid rising living costs.
The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), an advocacy group, highlighted the importance of this announcement. Their Executive Director, Shannon Benton, noted,
Seniors across America are holding their breath as we wait for the official COLA announcement in October. Our research shows that about 39% of seniors depend on their benefits for all their income, so the COLA announcement has a direct effect on their quality of life.
Historically, the COLA adjustment has varied:
- 2025 saw a 2.5% increase.
- 2024 had a 3.2% increase.
- In 2023, the COLA surged by an impressive 8.7% due to high inflation.
Interestingly, there are also years when no COLA is applied—like in 2009, 2010, and 2015—when inflation was low or stagnant.
Which Social Security Benefits Are Affected by the COLA?
The COLA is applied to all Social Security benefits administered by the SSA. This includes:
- Retirement benefits
- Spousal benefits
- Survivor benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
These adjustments are made to ensure that the purchasing power of recipients is preserved, even in the face of rising costs of living.
