The Social Security program in America is considered a kind of lifeline for its citizens. This system is not limited to old age pension, but it also becomes a support for those people whose earning capacity is lost due to illness, injury or permanent disability. Not only this, but the children and spouses of families whose main breadwinner has passed away also get the benefit of Social Security. Because of this, it can be said that this scheme is a symbol of security not only for the elderly but for the whole family.
The month of August 2025 holds special significance for Social Security beneficiaries, as millions of people are going to get their monthly payment this month. The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays benefits to more than 70 million people across the US every month. Due to such a large number of payments, it is almost impossible to do it on the same day. This is the reason why SSA transfers money to the beneficiaries’ accounts on different dates so that there is no pressure on the system and everyone can get the payment on time.
This time the payment schedule on Wednesday, August 20, has been fixed for those whose birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any month. This includes not only retired people but also their spouses (spousal benefits) and those whose spouse has passed away (survivor benefits). In such a situation, this week of August is a time of relief and hope for crores of people.
How much money is received from Social Security?

In the US, the amount received from Social Security is not a fixed amount, but it is based on the income and working years of each person. According to the data of May 2025, the average monthly amount received from Social Security was $2,002.39. This figure only reflects the average, but the actual amount received by each person may be different.
The Social Security Administration says that while calculating the benefit, the entire job period of a person is not seen, but the 35 years of the highest income of his life are counted. Suppose a person worked for 40 years; the SSA will look at his earnings for the 35 years in which he had the highest income. This calculation forms the basis of his retirement benefits.
It is important to understand here that the longer a person waits to start taking benefits, the more his monthly payment increases. For example, if a person claims Social Security at the age of 62, he can get an average of $2,831 per month. On the other hand, if someone waits till the age of 67, this amount increases to $4,018. But the biggest benefit is received by those who claim at the age of 70. They can get up to a maximum of $5,108 per month.
This makes it clear that Social Security benefits depend not only on how many years you worked but also on when you decide to retire and take benefits.
You will get more increased benefits in 2026.
Every year Social Security benefits are adjusted according to inflation. This is called Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Its purpose is that people’s standard of living should not be affected even amidst rising prices and inflation. Whenever the prices of goods and services increase in the market, the Social Security payment is also increased through COLA.
Recently a big update has come out for 2026. The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a non-profit organization that constantly monitors changes related to Social Security, estimated in July 2025 that next year’s COLA would be 2.7%. This estimate is higher than the estimates made earlier. In June this estimate was 2.6% and in May 2.5%. This simply means that consumer prices are gradually increasing and the government will have to increase the payment of beneficiaries in the same proportion.
Although a 2.5% increase has already been made in January 2025, people are likely to get a little more relief next year, given the rising inflation. Shannon Benton, Executive Director of TSCL, said that millions of seniors are eagerly waiting for this announcement. They believe that any increase in COLA is a big relief for them, but the reality is that this increase does not fully reflect the actual inflation.
If this estimate of 2.7% proves to be correct, then millions of Americans will get increased payment every month from January 2026. SSA officially announces COLA in October every year, and only then is it decided how much the payment will increase from next year.
Remaining August payment schedule
For those who have not received the August payment yet, there is no need to worry. SSA makes payments on different dates throughout the month. The schedule for this month is as follows:
- Wednesday, August 27: Payment will be given to those whose birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any month.
- Friday, August 29: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) will be paid on this day. Usually this payment is made on the 1st of every month. But due to Labor Day on September 1, SSA will release it earlier.

If a person does not get payment on the scheduled date, then SSA advises to wait for at least three working days. Even after this, if the payment does not come, then the problem can be resolved by contacting SSA.
Conclusion
Social Security is just a government scheme for millions of citizens of America. It is not just a salary, but it is the basis of their livelihood. For retirees, it is financial security; for disabled people, it is a means of livelihood; and for orphaned children or widowed spouses, it is a guarantee of their future. This payment schedule for August 2025 is special because it is bringing direct relief to millions of families.
Also, the expectation of a hike due to COLA in 2026 has also instilled confidence in people that their income will keep pace with inflation in the coming days. Although many people believe that this hike is not completely sufficient, it still gives them some financial relief.
FAQs
Q. When will the next Social Security payment be made?
A. The next payment is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2025, for beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month.
Q. How much is the average Social Security benefit in 2025?
A. As of May 2025, the average monthly benefit is around $2,002, though the amount varies depending on work history and retirement age.
Q. What is COLA in Social Security?
A. COLA stands for Cost-of-Living Adjustment, which increases benefits each year to keep up with inflation.
Q. How much will Social Security benefits increase in 2026?
A. Experts project a 2.7% COLA increase in 2026, though the official announcement will be made in October 2025.
Q. What should I do if my payment is late?
A. SSA advises waiting at least three business days, and if the payment still hasn’t arrived, contact the Social Security office.