Summary
Social Security payments are being distributed this week to millions of Americans who depend on this income for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. Payment amounts vary based on when a person was born and other factors, and an annual adjustment increases the payments to keep up with inflation.
Key Facts
- More than 70 million Americans receive Social Security payments each month.
- Payments are made on different days of the month based on the recipient's birthdate.
- On January 21, people born between the 11th and 20th of any month will get their payments.
- The amount of Social Security benefits depends on lifetime earnings and the age benefits are claimed.
- Maximum benefits can reach $5,181 a month if claimed at age 70 in 2026.
- Average retirement benefits were about $2,071 per month as of December 2025.
- Benefits increased by 2.8% due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment meant to match inflation.
- Medicare Part B premiums will rise by nearly 10%, affecting many who receive Social Security.
