Millions of Americans will receive their final November Social Security payments this week, including some of the highest monthly benefits the program offers — up to $5,108 for those who delayed retirement until age 70.
Roughly 70 million people rely on Social Security for monthly income. Because of the program’s size, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends payments in staggered waves tied to beneficiaries’ birthdays or eligibility category.
Who gets Social Security payments this week?
This week’s payments will be issued on Wednesday, November 26, for beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 21st and 31st of any month.
These are the last Social Security payments scheduled for November.
December 2025 payment schedule
As the year winds down, December’s payment schedule includes both regular Social Security deposits and the monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment. Here’s the full breakdown:
- Monday, Dec. 1: SSI payments
- Wednesday, Dec. 3: Social Security for beneficiaries who also receive SSI
- Wednesday, Dec. 10: Birthdays between the 1st–10th
- Wednesday, Dec. 17: Birthdays between the 11th–20th
- Wednesday, Dec. 24: Birthdays between the 21st–31st
If your payment doesn’t arrive on its scheduled date, SSA recommends waiting three business days before contacting the agency.
How much can you receive?
The maximum Social Security benefit varies based on your lifetime earnings and the age you first claim:
- $2,831 per month — filing at age 62
- $4,018 per month — filing at full retirement age (67)
- $5,108 per month — waiting until age 70
As of August 2025, retired workers received an average monthly benefit of $2,008.31.
2026 COLA increase starts in January
All beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2026, the SSA confirmed in October.
For the average retiree, the increase adds about $56 per month.
SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said the COLA ensures benefits “reflect today’s economic realities” and remain a stable source of income for retirees, survivors, disabled workers, and SSI recipients.
The COLA applies to every Social Security program, including:
- Retirement benefits
- Spousal and survivor benefits
- SSDI
- SSI
Higher payments will appear in January’s deposit wave.
Stay informed and plan ahead. Social Security remains a lifeline for over 71 million Americans — knowing your payment dates and any upcoming changes is key to staying financially secure.
If you’re unsure about your benefits or need personalized guidance, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
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