Millions of Americans who depend on Social Security will get their monthly payment this week.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes benefits to more than 70 million people, including retirees, disabled workers and the families of deceased wage earners. The agency staggers payments across the month to manage the large volume of recipients.
On Wednesday, August 20, individuals who receive retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits and whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of any month will get their monthly checks.
How Much is Social Security?
As of May 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit was recorded as $2,002.39.
“The average Social Security benefit amount changes monthly,” an SSA spokesperson told Newsweek. “Social Security benefits are based on a worker’s highest 35 years of earnings. As wages tend to rise over time, each new group of retirees raises the average benefit amount, since their benefit calculations typically reflect higher earnings.”
Actual benefit amounts differ depending on lifetime earnings and the age at which payments begin. For example, those who claim at the earliest possible age of 62 may receive up to $2,831 per month. Waiting until the full retirement age of 67 raises the maximum to $4,018. The highest payout—$5,108 monthly—can only be reached if you wait to claim at age 70.
Benefits Boost for 2026
Social Security benefits adjust each year through a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, which is tied to inflation. The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a nonprofit that tracks these adjustments, recently raised its outlook for next year.
In its July analysis, TSCL projected a 2.7 percent COLA for 2026. That figure is slightly higher than earlier estimates—2.6 percent in June and 2.5 percent in May—because of signs of rising consumer prices.
The most recent adjustment, a 2.5 percent increase, took effect in January 2025.
“With the COLA announcement around the corner, seniors across America are holding their breath,” TSCL executive director, Shannon Benton, said. “While a higher COLA would be welcome because their monthly benefits will increase, many will be disappointed. TSCL’s research shows that many seniors believe the COLA does not adequately capture the inflation they experience.”
If the 2.7 percent estimate holds, the tens of millions of Americans relying on these benefits will see the increase reflected in their monthly payments beginning in January 2026. The official COLA, determined by the SSA each fall, will be announced in October.
Further August Social Security Payments
If you haven’t got your payment yet, you’ll be paid later in the month. Checks will be issued on the following dates in August:
- Wednesday, August 27: Benefits for those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st.
- Friday, August 29: SSI payments. This payment would usually come on the first of the month for September. However, because September 1 falls on Labor Day, a national holiday, the payment will be made slightly earlier.
If you do not receive your check on the expected date, the SSA advises waiting three working days before contacting them to enquire about any missing payments.
The post Social Security: Checks Worth Up to $5,108 Going Out This Week appeared first on Newsweek.
