The wait is almost over for millions of retirees and beneficiaries who depend on their Social Security payments. The first round of November checks — with an average amount of $1,915 will start landing in just nine days, marking the beginning of a new payment cycle for 2025.
For many Americans, this monthly deposit is the main lifeline covering rent, groceries, and medication. That’s why every delay or schedule change from the Social Security Administration (SSA) gets close attention, especially at the start of each month.
Social Security schedule for November 2025
In 2025, the average Social Security retirement benefit stands at $1,915 per month, boosted by the latest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Some retirees with higher lifetime earnings and full retirement age eligibility can receive checks of up to $4,873 per month. Meanwhile, beneficiaries who started receiving payments before May 1997, or who collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI), will be paid earlier on Friday, November 1.
The SSA organizes payments by birth date, sending checks on different Thursdays this month. Here’s how the schedule looks:
- Birthdays from the 1st to the 10th: Thursday, November 13.
- Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th: Thursday, November 20.
- Birthdays from the 21st to the 31st: Thursday, November 27.
Why your check might not arrive on time
If you don’t see your payment on the expected date, the SSA recommends waiting three business days before filing a report. Most delays come from banking issues or temporary system holds not lost benefits.
Frequent causes include:
- Incorrect or outdated direct deposit details.
- Federal holidays or processing delays.
- Account reviews by the SSA.
- Recent changes in benefit status.
- Stay ready for your November payment
To avoid problems, make sure your My Social Security account is active and your information is current. There, you can confirm your next payment date, track deposits, and resolve alerts before they affect your benefits. With inflation still weighing on seniors’ budgets, every dollar counts. The good news is that the first $1,915 Social Security check of November is only nine days away — and millions are already marking their calendars.