Summary
Social Security payments worth up to $5,108 will be issued this week during December. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides these payments to around 70 million Americans, including retirees and people with disabilities. In 2026, beneficiaries will see a 2.8% increase in their payments due to a cost-of-living adjustment.
Key Facts
- Social Security payments for December are being sent out this week.
- The SSA provides monthly income to about 70 million Americans.
- Payments are scheduled based on birth dates; some groups have different schedules.
- SSI is a separate program for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
- A cost-of-living adjustment of 2.8% will apply in 2026, raising average monthly benefits.
- The average retiree will receive approximately $56 more per month after the adjustment.
- The highest monthly Social Security payment will increase from $5,108 to $5,251.
- Cost-of-living adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners.
