Social Security Payments Scheduled This Week
Millions of Americans will receive their latest Social Security payments this week. Checks amounting up to $5,181 are set for distribution on Wednesday. Approximately 75 million individuals in the U.S. receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The payment schedule for Social Security beneficiaries aligns with their birth date. Those born between the 1st and 10th receive payments on the second Wednesday. Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th result in payments on the third Wednesday. Those born from the 21st to the 31st are paid on the fourth Wednesday. This week’s payments cater to individuals born between the 11th and 20th.
Not everyone will receive a payment this week, even if their birth date falls within that range. Individuals receiving Social Security prior to May 1997, along with those who get both Social Security and SSI, typically receive payments on the third of the month. SSI payments are generally made on the first of the month.
Impact of Inflation on Social Security
The new inflation data has provided greater insight into potential Social Security benefit increases in 2027. Current predictions for next year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) range from 3.4% to 3.6%, surpassing the 2.8% increase expected in 2026.
For September 16, payments will go to beneficiaries with birth dates between the 11th and 20th of any month. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends allowing three working days before contacting them if payments are not received as expected.
Understanding Social Security Benefits
The amount retirees receive relies heavily on their earnings history and the age they start claiming benefits. For high earners, the maximum monthly retirement benefits in 2026 are $2,969 at age 62, $4,152 at full retirement age, and $5,181 at age 70.
The average retired worker received $2,085.98 monthly in July 2026, according to the latest SSA Monthly Statistical Snapshot. Across all Social Security beneficiaries, the average payment was $1,940.08.
Most retirees receive less than the maximum. The $5,181 figure represents the highest possible benefit for those with a prolonged earnings record at the Social Security taxable maximum, claiming at age 70. The average retired-worker benefit provides a clearer view of typical payments.
Forecasting the 2027 COLA
August inflation data, released on September 11, informed the 2027 COLA forecasts. The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) rose 3.5% over the year through August, reaching an index level of 328.481. With the July CPI-W at 327.104, two of the three figures used for the 2027 COLA are now available.
Several organizations project the COLA: The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates a 3.4% increase, while independent analyst Mary Johnson suggests 3.5%. AARP increased its forecast to 3.6% after the latest figures.
The 3.4-to-3.6% range would result in a monthly benefit increase of about $71 to $75, based on the current average retired-worker benefit of $2,085.98. The final figure relies on September’s CPI-W data, due to be released on October 14. The SSA will announce the official 2027 COLA on the same day, affecting 2027 benefits.
Medicare Part B and the Net COLA
The COLA does not directly equate to a net increase in available funds for beneficiaries. Medicare Part B premiums often deduct directly from Social Security benefits for enrolled individuals, impacting the actual net gain from a COLA.
Beneficiaries should consider the COLA as a gross increase. The precise monthly change will depend on each individual’s benefit and the 2027 Part B premium, which remains unconfirmed.