November 2025 Social Security Payments: When Your Check Arrives This Month
Millions of retirees and disability beneficiaries across the U.S. will soon receive their November 2025 Social Security payments, with the Social Security Administration (SSA) following its usual staggered schedule. Here’s when to expect your deposit — and what’s changing before the next cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) kicks in this January.
When to Expect Your November 2025 Social Security Payment
The SSA issues payments based on birth date, benefit type, and enrollment timing. Most beneficiaries receive their payments via direct deposit, but those still using paper checks should allow additional mailing time.
Here’s the November 2026 payment schedule:
- November 3:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients
- Those who began receiving Social Security before May 1997
- November 12:
- Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month
- November 19:
- Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- November 26:
- Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st
Because Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 27, no payments will be delayed or advanced — all deposits will post as scheduled.
What About SSI and SSDI Recipients?
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive their regular payment on Monday, November 3. However, because December 1 falls on a Monday, there will be no double SSI payment this month (as sometimes happens when payment dates overlap weekends or holidays).
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments follow the same schedule as standard retirement benefits, meaning most recipients will see deposits arrive midweek depending on their birth date.
Average Social Security Benefit in November 2025
According to SSA data, the average retired worker benefit remains around $1,905 per month in late 2025, while SSI beneficiaries receive about $698 monthly.
These amounts are before the 2026 COLA increase, which is expected to raise benefits by approximately 2.2%, based on current inflation trends. The official COLA announcement will take effect in January 2026.
How to Check Your Payment Status
Beneficiaries can verify upcoming payments through several SSA tools:
- 🖥️ My Social Security Account: Log in at ssa.gov/myaccount to view benefit details and payment dates.
- 📱 Direct Express Card App: Track deposits directly from your mobile device.
- ☎️ SSA Hotline: Call 1-800-772-1213 for updates or to report missing payments (TTY users call 1-800-325-0778).
If your payment is delayed, the SSA advises waiting three business days past your expected date before contacting the agency.
Preparing for the 2026 COLA
The upcoming 2026 cost-of-living adjustment will determine how much extra seniors and disabled Americans receive each month starting in January. While the final number depends on inflation data from the third quarter of 2025, early projections suggest a modest bump following this year’s smaller increase.
Experts say even a 2% increase could help offset rising costs in:
- Prescription medications
- Food and utilities
- Housing and rent
- Medicare premiums
Tips to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
Before the new year begins, consider taking these simple steps to keep your benefits on track:
- Enroll in direct deposit to avoid check delivery delays.
- Review your income records to ensure your reported earnings are accurate.
- Avoid overpayment issues by promptly reporting changes in income, marital status, or living arrangements.
- Stay informed about annual COLA and Medicare Part B premium adjustments.
Key Takeaways
- Payments start November 3 for SSI and early filers.
- Regular Social Security checks go out November 12, 19, and 26.
- No double SSI payment this month (next one expected in January).
- Average benefit: $1,905 per month for retirees.
- Next COLA: Expected around 2.2% in January 2026.
Bottom Line
If you rely on Social Security benefits to help pay bills or buy groceries, November’s payment schedule remains stable and predictable — a relief for millions of retirees heading into the holiday season.