Millions of Americans reliant on Social Security are set to receive their next monthly payments this week. Some retirees may receive checks of up to $5,181 per month, influenced by their earnings history and the age at which they start claiming benefits.
More than 70 million people across the U.S. benefit from Social Security, including retirees, survivors, and those with disabilities. Due to the size of the program, payments are released on a staggered monthly schedule.
When Are Payments Coming?
The upcoming batch of May payments is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, targeting beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
The June 2026 payment calendar is as follows:
- Monday, June 1: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments
- Wednesday, June 3: Payments for those on SSI and those who have received retirement benefits since before May 1997
- Wednesday, June 10: Payments for birth dates between the 1st and 10th
- Wednesday, June 17: Payments for birth dates between the 11th and 20th
- Wednesday, June 24: Payments for birth dates between the 21st and 31st
Recipients not receiving their payment on the scheduled date should wait up to three business days before contacting the SSA.
How Much Can Recipients Receive?
The Social Security benefit amount is influenced by lifetime earnings and the timing of when recipients begin claiming benefits. Earning 40 Social Security credits generally qualifies a worker for retirement benefits, which is often achieved after about ten years in the workforce.
A worker retiring at full retirement age in 2026 might receive around $4,152 monthly. Early retirees at age 62 might get about $2,969, while delaying benefits until age 70 could increase payments up to $5,181.
As of April 2026, the average monthly payment for retirees stood at $2,026.41, which is significantly lower than the maximum allowable benefit.
COLA Forecasts Suggest Increases in 2027
Social Security recipients enjoy annual benefit boosts via the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Forecasts indicate the 2027 adjustment might surpass this year’s increase due to recent inflation surges.
The Senior Citizens League estimates the 2027 COLA could reach 3.9 percent, while independent analyst Mary Johnson projects a 4.2 percent increase. Both predictions surpass this year’s adjustment of 2.8 percent.
The SSA calculates the adjustment using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Over the last 12 months, CPI-W increased by 3.9 percent.
Potential COLA Increases Explained
Using the average benefit for retired workers of $2,024.77 per month:
- A 3.9 percent COLA could boost payments by about $78.96 monthly.
- A 4.2 percent COLA might increase payments by approximately $85.04 monthly.
Potential SSI Rule Change Impact
In addition, a proposed SSA rule could affect some Supplemental Security Income recipients. These benefits are aimed at low-income seniors aged 65 and over, and individuals with disabilities and blindness.
The proposal alters the calculation of household income and support for SSI eligibility, potentially excluding some benefits from Public Income Maintenance categories. This change might remove Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from qualifying income categories.
The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank, estimates as many as 400,000 SSI recipients might see reductions or loss of benefits if the rule changes go into effect.
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