Social Security payments of up to $5,108 arriving this week
A new round of Social Security payments is being distributed this week, with millions of Americans set to receive their monthly benefits beginning Wednesday, May 14.
Who gets paid this week?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues retirement, survivor, and disability benefits to more than 70 million Americans each month. Payment schedules vary based on birth dates and eligibility categories.
This week’s payment—scheduled for Wednesday, May 14—applies to beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
Additional payments will be sent later this month:
- May 21: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- May 28: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st
- May 30: June SSI payments
How much can you receive?
The maximum monthly Social Security benefit in 2025 is:
- $2,831 if you retire early at age 62
- $4,018 if you retire at full retirement age (67)
- $5,108 if you delay benefits until age 70
However, the average monthly benefit is currently $1,976, according to SSA data from January 2025. Your exact payment depends on your earnings history and retirement age.
What about inflation and COLA?
Benefits increase annually with inflation through the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). While the official COLA for 2026 will be announced in October, early estimates from advocacy groups suggest a 2.3% increase.
But economic conditions may impact that forecast. Analysts warn that rising tariffs on imports could drive inflation higher, increasing prices on essentials like food, medical supplies, and insurance. That could ultimately affect next year’s COLA and the real value of benefits.
Why it matters
Social Security remains a critical source of income for retirees and vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities and survivors of deceased workers. As costs continue to rise, timely and predictable payments help millions of households cover essentials.