This week, millions of Social Security beneficiaries will receive their September payments. More than 70 million Americans benefit from Social Security, receiving retirement, spousal, survivor, or disability benefits. Payments are often scheduled according to birthdates, with the Social Security Administration (SSA) staggering them throughout the month. Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st of any month will receive their payments on Wednesday, September 23.
There are specific exceptions. Individuals who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, and those receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), typically receive payments at the start of each month, not based on their birthdates. The SSA suggests that recipients who do not receive their payment on the expected date should wait three working days before reaching out to the agency.
Understanding Benefit Amounts
The amount of Social Security received depends on various factors, including the type of benefit. Retirees, who form the majority of recipients, have benefits determined by earnings history and the age benefits start. For a retiree earning at or above the threshold subjected to Social Security taxes, the maximum monthly retirement payment in 2026 reaches $2,969 at age 62, $4,152 at full retirement, and $5,181 at age 70, according to SSA data.
Most recipients do not achieve these maximum amounts. Recent data shows that the average retired worker received $2,085.98 monthly in July 2026. Across all beneficiaries, including retirees, survivors, and disabled individuals, the average monthly payment was $1,940.08.
Benefit Averages and Maximums
Retired worker: Average $2,085.98; maximum $5,181 per month at age 70.
Spousal benefit: Average $986.53; maximum $2,076 per month.
Survivor benefit: Average $1,634.61; potential maximum $5,181 for a surviving spouse.
SSI: Average $736.54/month; maximum federal payment $994 for an individual.
October Payment Schedule
In October, another round of payments is scheduled on the following dates:
- SSI: October 1, 2026.
- Retired workers, spouses, and survivors: Those who began receiving benefits before May 1997 or who receive both Social Security and SSI will be paid on October 2, 2026.
- Social Security pay dates: Birth dates from 1st to 10th, paid on October 14, 2026. Birth dates from the 11th to 20th, paid on October 21, 2026. Birth dates from 21st to 31st, paid on October 28, 2026.
October also marks a key period for Social Security beneficiaries. The SSA will announce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which adjusts benefits for inflation in 2027. Predicted increases range between 3.4% and 3.6%, representing nearly a full percentage point rise from the 2.8% COLA in 2026. The COLA announcement occurs on October 14.