Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits will receive their monthly payments this week.

The Social Security Administration issues checks to over 70 million people, including retirees, spouses of deceased workers, older adults, and disabled individuals, according to the federal agency. While these groups are eligible for benefits, several factors determine when they will receive them.

According to Newsweek, individuals receiving retirement, spousal or survivor benefits and whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of any month will get their monthly checks on Wednesday.

How much do Social Security beneficiaries receive each month?

Blavity reported that the Social Security Administration distributed an average of $2,002.39 to retirees in May, marking the first time that payments had reached beyond the $2,000 mark.

“The average Social Security benefit amount changes monthly,” a spokesperson for the federal agency told Newsweek. “Social Security benefits are based on a worker’s highest 35 years of earnings. As wages tend to rise over time, each new group of retirees raises the average benefit amount, since their benefit calculations typically reflect higher earnings.”

Benefit amounts vary based on lifetime earnings and the age you begin collecting. If a person claims at 62, they can receive up to $2,831 per month, while if they wait until full retirement age at 67, it increases to the maximum of $4,018. The highest monthly benefit, $5,108, is available only if they wait until age 70 to claim.

When can beneficiaries expect August payments?

Each month, payees receive their checks based on several factors, including their birthdays. In August, the second Wednesday fell on Aug. 13, which was the first round of mid-month payments in the third week rather than the second, according to Blavity.

The SSA did not issue regular payments during the week of Aug. 4–10. Because of this, recipients with birthdays between the 11th and 20th will receive their checks on Aug. 20, and those born after the 20th will be paid on Aug. 27.

Those who do not receive their expected payment are encouraged to wait three business days before contacting the SSA.

Will benefits increase due to COLA in 2026?

Social Security benefits are adjusted annually through a cost-of-living adjustment tied to inflation. In 2026, the Senior Citizen League predicted that beneficiaries can expect a 2.7% increase, which is up from earlier reports due to rising consumer prices, Newsweek reported. The organization will release the official COLA increase sometime in October.