Overview

• The first monthly wave is set for Sept. 10 for birthdays on the 1st–10th, followed by Sept. 17 for the 11th–20th and Sept. 24 for the 21st–31st.
• The Social Security Administration pays more than 74 million people, with individual amounts based on lifetime earnings and when benefits are claimed.
• Some recipients repaying past overpayments may receive smaller checks as the SSA withholds 50% of monthly benefits until balances are recovered.
• Beneficiaries who do not receive a scheduled payment are advised to wait three working days before contacting the SSA.
• An advocacy group projects a roughly 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026, with the SSA’s official figure expected next month.