As we head into the third week of September, millions of Americans are expecting to receive their Social Security payments this week. Millions of recipients are set to receive payouts of up to $5,181, scheduled to go out on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. The Social Security Administration (SSA) normally releases payments on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month, but with some exceptions.
The Social Security Administration has set criteria for the payments based on the recipient's birth date. Around 75 million Americans receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. To qualify for post-retirement benefits, you must be at least 62 years old and have earned at least 40 credits, which is about 10 years of work while paying Social Security taxes.
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, you are likely to get your payout on the second Wednesday. Those born between the 11th and 20th will receive payments on the third Wednesday, September 16, 2026, as per the SSA calendar. Meanwhile, those born between the 21st and 31st will receive their checks on the fourth Wednesday.
This latest round of payments, arriving just days after new inflation figures, provides a clearer picture of how much benefits could increase in 2027. Latest forecasts place next year's cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) at nearly 3.4 to 3.6 percent, higher than the 2.8 percent increase given in 2026.