This week, millions of Americans will receive their latest Social Security payments, with checks up to $5,181 set for distribution on Wednesday. Approximately 75 million people benefit from Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Most Social Security recipients receive payments based on their birthdate. Individuals born from the 1st to the 10th get their benefits on the second Wednesday of the month. Those with birthdays from the 11th to the 20th receive payments on the third Wednesday, and those born from the 21st to the 31st receive them on the fourth Wednesday.
This week, payments will be processed for those with birthdays from the 11th to the 20th, scheduled for Wednesday, September 16.
Some individuals may not receive their Social Security payments this week, even if their birthdays fall within this range. People who started receiving Social Security before May 1997 or those who receive both Social Security and SSI usually receive their payments on the third of the month. SSI payments are generally made on the first.
Recipients who do not receive their payment when expected should allow three working days before contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The amount a retiree receives is influenced by their earnings history and the age at which they begin claiming benefits. The SSA states that the highest monthly retirement benefit in 2026 is $2,969 for individuals claiming benefits at age 62, $4,152 at full retirement age, and $5,181 if claiming at age 70. Most retirees receive less than these maximums.
The SSA Monthly Statistical Snapshot for July 2026 shows the average retired worker received $2,085.98 per month.
Across all Social Security recipients, including retirees, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, the average payment was $1,940.08. To qualify for retirement benefits, most workers need 40 Social Security credits. In 2026, one credit is earned for each $1,890 in covered earnings, with a maximum of four credits available per year.
Understanding the Maximum Benefit
The $5,181 amount represents the highest possible retirement benefit for someone who consistently earned at or above the Social Security taxable maximum and delayed claiming until age 70. This figure is not typical. Instead, the $2,085.98 average indicates what a typical retiree receives.
Forecasting the 2027 COLA
New inflation data provides an estimate for the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2027, with an expected increase of 3.4% to 3.6%. This would be higher than the 2.8% increase in 2026.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased by 3.5% over the year through August. Using this data, the forecasts now suggest a COLA increase ranging from 3.4% to 3.6%.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates a 3.4% increase, while Social Security analyst Mary Johnson suggests a 3.5% increase. The Senior Citizens League predicts a similar 3.5% hike. AARP raised its estimate to 3.6% following August’s inflation report.
Applied to SSA’s average retired-worker benefit of $2,085.98, the estimated COLA range translates to an increase of about $71 to $75 monthly. However, the final COLA will depend on September’s CPI-W figure, due on October 14. Social Security determines the COLA by comparing the average CPI-W for July, August, and September with the previous year’s third-quarter average. SSA plans to announce the official 2027 COLA on the same day, applicable to 2027 benefits.
Medicare Part B and Net COLA
The COLA increase does not necessarily mean beneficiaries will have the same increase for spending. Many have Medicare Part B premiums deducted from Social Security benefits, so any increase in these premiums can affect the net amount from a COLA.
The net increase will depend on each individual’s benefit and the 2027 Part B premium, which is still pending. Beneficiaries should view the projected COLA as a gross increase, not the exact monthly payment change.