When Your November Payment Lands
Folks counting on their Social Security check this month can relax. The Social Security Administration has a clear plan for November 2025 payments. Most retirees and disability recipients get paid on Wednesdays based on their birthday. This keeps things fair and on time. If you started getting benefits before May 1997, or get both Social Security and SSI, your check hits on the third of the month. SSI folks get theirs early this time around.
Payment Schedule at a Glance
Here’s a quick table to mark on your calendar:
| Your Birth Date | Check Date |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | November 12 |
| 11th – 20th | November 19 |
| 21st – 31st | November 26 |
| SSI Only | October 31 |
| Pre-1997 | November 3 |
SSI payments normally come on the first, but November 1 is a Saturday. So they moved it to Friday, October 31. That means about 7.5 million SSI recipients get their November money tomorrow if you’re reading this on the 30th.
Why Some Skip a November Check
One thing to note: If you only get SSI, you won’t see another payment in November. Your next one rolls out early for December. This advance schedule happens a few times a year when the first falls on a weekend or holiday. Social Security wants to make sure you have cash when you need it most.
Exciting COLA News for 2026
The big buzz right now is the new Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA. Social Security just announced a 2.8 percent bump for 2026. That’s better than last year’s 2.5 percent. It hits nearly 71 million people starting with January checks. For a typical retired worker pulling in about $2,015 a month now, that adds up to roughly $56 more each month.
SSI folks get their raise a tad earlier, on December 31, 2025. You can check your exact new amount online through your my Social Security account. Notices start showing up late November.
First COLA-Boosted Checks
Wondering when that extra cash flows in? Here are the kickoff dates for January 2026:
Born 1st to 10th: January 7
Born 11th to 20th: January 14
Born 21st to 31st: January 21
SSI: December 31, 2025
This COLA fights rising prices on groceries, gas, and rent. It’s based on everyday costs tracked by the government. Sign up for direct deposit if you haven’t. It gets your money faster and safer.
Tips to Stay Ahead
Double-check your bank account around these dates. If a payment’s late, give it three extra days. Questions? Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or hit up ssa.gov. With holidays coming, planning now keeps stress low. Enjoy that turkey and know your benefits are covered.