The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released updated information on benefit payments, Medicare costs, and cost-of-living adjustments that will affect millions of Americans heading into late 2025 and early 2026. These changes include updated retirement benefit schedules, COLA increases, and Medicare premium adjustments—all of which play a critical role in monthly budgets for retirees and disability beneficiaries.
According to the SSA, beneficiaries who began receiving payments after May 1997 continue to receive their deposits on Wednesdays, with the payment date determined by birthdate. This staggered system ensures that funds are distributed efficiently across the country.
Social Security Payments for November 2025
For November, individuals born between the 11th and 20th receive their benefit on Wednesday, November 19, while those with birthdays from the 21st to 31st receive payments on Wednesday, November 26. These schedules apply to retirement, disability, and survivor beneficiaries whose payment dates follow the post-1997 distribution system.
December 2025 Payment Schedule
December payments follow the same structure:
- December 10: Born 1st–10th
- December 17: Born 11th–20th
- December 24: Born 21st–31st
In addition, two special payments occur in December:
- December 3: Beneficiaries who began receiving retirement payments before May 1997, and those who receive both Social Security and SSI
- December 31, 2025: SSI payment for January 2026, issued early because January 1 is a federal holiday
Current Retirement Benefit Amounts
Throughout late 2025, the average retirement benefit remains about $2,008 per month, reflecting the 2.5% COLA increase implemented in January 2025.
Workers who earned the maximum taxable income for at least 35 years and retired at full retirement age receive up to $4,018 per month.
COLA Increase for 2026
The SSA has confirmed a 2.8% COLA increase for 2026 Social Security benefits. This boost will be reflected in monthly payments beginning January 2026, while SSI recipients receive the adjustment early on December 31, 2025.
This adjustment increases the average benefit from $2,008 to approximately $2,064, while individuals receiving the maximum benefit will see payments rise from $4,018 to about $4,152.
For official COLA data, refer to the Social Security Administration.
Medicare Part B Premium Adjustments
Medicare Part B will see several changes in 2026:
- Monthly premium rising from $185 (2025) to $202.90 (2026)
- Annual deductible increasing from $257 to $283
- After meeting the deductible, Medicare covers 80% of approved services, with the beneficiary responsible for the remaining 20% unless enrolled in Medigap or Medicare Advantage
These adjustments mean that some retirees may see part of their COLA increase absorbed by rising healthcare costs.
Medicare Part A Cost Changes
Most Medicare Part A beneficiaries pay no monthly premium, but cost-sharing amounts will rise:
- Hospital deductible increases to $1,736 in 2026
- Daily copayments for skilled nursing facilities (days 21–100) will be $217 per day
These increases impact seniors requiring hospital care or rehabilitation services.
IRMAA Surcharges for Higher-Income Beneficiaries
The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) will continue affecting higher-income retirees. For 2026, income thresholds are based on 2024 tax returns.
- Surcharges increase an average of 9%
- IRMAA applies to individuals earning above $109,000 or married couples above $218,000
- The highest Part B premium for top-bracket earners may reach $689.90 monthly
More IRMAA details can be found through Medicare.gov.
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Changes
Prescription drug coverage will also shift in 2026:
- Maximum deductible increases to $615
- Average monthly premiums decrease from $38 to $34.50
- Inflation Reduction Act provisions continue shaping drug price negotiations, potentially lowering costs for commonly prescribed medications
