Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits each month. This week, many recipients will receive their next payment. Some retirees collect as much as $5,181 monthly, depending on their earnings history and the age at which they started claiming benefits.
Over 70 million people in the U.S. receive Social Security benefits. These include retirees, survivors, and individuals with disabilities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) organizes payments on a staggered monthly schedule.
When Are Payments Coming?
For May, the next payment round is set for Wednesday, May 27. This will be for recipients born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
The June 2026 payment schedule is detailed below:
- Monday, June 1: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
- Wednesday, June 3: Social Security payments for SSI recipients and those who began receiving retirement benefits before May 1997.
- Wednesday, June 10: Payments for those born between the 1st and 10th.
- Wednesday, June 17: Payments for birthdays between the 11th and 20th.
- Wednesday, June 24: Payments for birthdays between the 21st and 31st.
If recipients do not receive payment on time, they should wait up to three business days before contacting the SSA.
How Much Can Recipients Receive?
Retirement benefits are calculated based on lifetime earnings and the age at which benefits are first claimed. Workers usually qualify after accumulating 40 credits, typically over a decade.
In 2026, a worker retiring at full retirement age could receive approximately $4,152 monthly. Someone retiring at 62 could receive about $2,969. If benefits are delayed until 70, payments might increase to $5,181 monthly.
Many retirees receive far less than the maximum amount. As of April 2026, the average retired worker received around $2,026.41 monthly.
COLA Forecasts Point to Bigger Increase in 2027
Social Security recipients receive annual benefit increases through Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA). Projections for 2027 suggest a possible increase above this year’s adjustment because of rising inflation.
The Senior Citizens League estimates the 2027 COLA could rise by 3.9%, while analyst Mary Johnson projects a 4.2% increase. Both forecasts surpass this year’s 2.8% increase.
COLA is determined using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Over the last 12 months, the CPI-W has grown 3.9%.
The SSA calculates adjustments by comparing average CPI-W readings from July to September with the prior year’s same period. If inflation increases, benefit adjustments match the percentage rise, rounded to the nearest tenth.
How Much Would a Higher COLA Add?
For average retired worker benefits, currently about $2,024.77 per month:
- A 3.9% COLA could increase monthly payments by approximately $78.96.
- A 4.2% COLA might raise monthly benefits by about $85.04.
Proposed SSI Rule Change Could Affect Thousands
Changes under consideration might reduce benefits for some Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. SSI supports low-income seniors aged 65 or older and those with disabilities.
The SSA’s proposal involves changes to household income and support calculations for SSI eligibility. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits would be excluded from qualifying income categories.
Up to 400,000 SSI recipients may see reduced or eliminated benefits with these changes, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities.