Social Security retirement benefits play a central role in monthly income for millions of older Americans, and November brings one of the largest scheduled payments of the year. A check of up to $5,108 is set to go out next week, boosted by the 2025 cost-of-living increase that raised benefits to help keep pace with rising living costs. For retirees who rely on these monthly deposits to cover essentials, timing is everything.
Not everyone receives the payment on the same day, and only a small portion of retirees qualify for the maximum amount. The Social Security Administration sends payments according to when benefits began and the retiree’s birth date. So the key detail right now is that the November 12 deposit is for those whose birthdays fall early in the month.
Social Security Payment Schedule and Who Gets Paid on November 12
The month is divided into several waves. Retirees who have been receiving Social Security since before May 1997, or who receive both Social Security and SSI, are paid earlier, around November 3. The next major payment the one that gets the most attention this month arrives November 12, and goes to retirees born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
Those with birthdays from 11th to 20th are scheduled for November 19, and those born from 21st to 31st are expected to receive their deposit on November 26.
The $5,108 figure is the maximum retirement benefit, which applies only to retirees who worked at the highest taxable earnings level for about 35 years and delayed claiming benefits until age 70. Most Americans receive a lower monthly amount, since benefits are tied to lifetime earnings history and the age at which retirement began.
Why the Payment Is Higher This Year
This year’s payments are larger because of the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment, which increased Social Security retirement benefits by roughly 2.8%. The goal is to help monthly income keep up with everyday expenses, especially as inflation continues to influence prices. The adjustment does not change eligibility or how benefits are calculated; it simply raises the amount that arrives each month.
If Your Payment Arrives Later Than Expected
If the deposit does not show up right away on the scheduled day, it’s common for the funds to post later in the afternoon. If the payment is still missing the following business day, the next step is to check with the bank to confirm that the account is active and able to receive direct deposit, and then contact the Social Security Administration for verification.
The November 12 Social Security retirement payment potentially up to $5,108 will be issued to retirees born between the 1st and 10th of the month. Other retirees will receive their benefits on the 3rd, 19th, or 26th, depending on their situation. The increase in monthly amounts this year comes from the cost-of-living adjustment designed to help retirees handle everyday expenses.