November has arrived, and Social Security recipients across the United States are about to see their monthly benefit payments deposited directly into their accounts. The Social Security Administration (SSA) adheres to a strict payment schedule, ensuring timely deposits for beneficiaries of various programs, including retirement, survivor, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For those who began receiving benefits prior to May 1997 or are eligible for SSI, today marks an important payment day. Below, we detail what recipients can expect from their November payments, including key dates, amounts, and the upcoming Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) set to take effect in January.
Social Security Payment Schedule for November
The SSA manages a comprehensive payment schedule, distributing over 70 million checks each month. Here’s how payments are structured for November:
- SSI Recipients: Payments for those receiving SSI, determined by income and resource limits, are issued on the first day of the month.
- RSDI Beneficiaries (Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance):
- Claimed Before May 1997: RSDI beneficiaries who filed for benefits before May 1997 usually receive payments on the third of each month. However, since this date falls on a weekend this November, payments will be made earlier, on the first of the month.
- Claimed After May 1997: For beneficiaries who filed after May 1997, payments are scheduled according to their birth dates:
- Second Wednesday: Recipients born between the 1st and 10th.
- Third Wednesday: Recipients born between the 11th and 20th.
- Fourth Wednesday: Recipients born between the 21st and 31st.
Additionally, an extra SSI payment is planned for November 29, as the first of December falls on a weekend.
Note: If there are any delays in receiving payments, the SSA advises beneficiaries to wait up to three business days before contacting customer service. Recipients can easily check their payment status and account information through the SSA’s My Social Security online portal, where they can also request financial statements and replacement Social Security cards.
Average Social Security Benefit Payments
The amount each beneficiary receives from Social Security varies based on factors like work history, contributions, and the age at which they start claiming benefits. Below is a summary of the current average monthly payments by program, along with estimated increases due to the upcoming Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
Understanding the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Beginning in January, Social Security benefits will see a 2.5% increase to help counteract inflation, impacting over 70 million recipients. This COLA adjustment is designed to safeguard recipients’ purchasing power amid rising living expenses. While this increase is relatively modest compared to previous years, it still provides valuable support for beneficiaries facing inflationary pressures.
Example Monthly Benefit Increases with 2.5% COLA
Retirement Benefits:
- For individuals claiming benefits at age 67, the average payment will rise from $3,822 to $3,918.
- Those starting benefits at age 70 will see their amounts increase from $4,873 to $4,995.
Survivor Benefits:
- Average survivor benefits will increase from $1,505 to $1,543.
- Families with two children receiving survivor benefits will experience an increase from $3,653 to $3,744.
Disability Benefits:
- Average disability benefits will go up from $1,537 to $1,575, while those who are blind will see an increase from $2,590 to $2,655.
SSI Benefits:
- Individual SSI recipients will see their payments rise from $943 to $967, while couples will have their benefits increased from $1,415 to $1,450.
When Can Beneficiaries Expect Their Social Security Payments?
Payments are scheduled based on the recipient’s birth date and program. SSI recipients typically receive funds on the first of each month, with RSDI payments distributed on Wednesdays according to birthdate.
