In just two days, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be issuing another round of payments, and for some retirees, that could mean receiving up to $5,108 in benefits. While millions of Americans receive monthly payments from the SSA, not everyone qualifies for the maximum payout — and only a specific group is due to receive their deposit this week.
If you’re unsure where you fall, now’s the time to check your status. Let’s break down who qualifies, how these payments are scheduled, and what changes are coming soon to all SSA beneficiaries.
Overview
Social Security is a financial lifeline for roughly 70 million Americans every month. Most of these recipients are retirees, but millions also receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or Disability payments.
Each program has its own purpose:
- Retirement benefits support seniors who’ve paid into the system during their working years
- SSI helps people with little to no income
- Disability payments go to individuals who cannot work due to physical or mental disabilities
The type of payment you receive, your birth date, and how much you’ve contributed during your working years all affect your monthly benefit.
Differences
To qualify for SSA Retirement benefits, you must meet some basic requirements:
| Retirement Qualification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 62 years old |
| Work history | 10 years (40 SSA work credits) |
Once you meet those minimums, you can begin collecting retirement benefits — although claiming early can reduce your monthly payout. On the other hand, waiting longer and maximizing your contributions can increase the amount you receive.
Let’s not forget the other programs:
- SSI is for individuals with limited financial resources
- Disability is strictly for those who are medically unable to work
Each program serves a unique purpose, but only certain retirement recipients can access the maximum SSA benefit.
Payout
On Wednesday, December 18, the fourth Wednesday of the month, SSA will send payments to beneficiaries whose birth dates fall between the 21st and 31st.
This group will receive their monthly retirement or disability benefits — and if they meet specific criteria, some could see the maximum SSA payment of $5,108.
Here’s what it takes to qualify for that top-tier payment:
| Maximum Payment Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Contribution period | 35 years of maximum taxable earnings |
| Claim age | Claimed benefits at age 70 |
If you’ve consistently contributed the maximum to Social Security for 35 years and delayed retirement until you turned 70, you’ll receive the full amount available — $5,108 as of 2025.
Schedule
SSA benefits follow a specific schedule tied to your date of birth:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th of the month | Second Wednesday |
| 11th–20th of the month | Third Wednesday |
| 21st–31st of the month | Fourth Wednesday |
If you also receive SSI, your retirement benefits are paid out on the 3rd of the month, not the usual Wednesday schedule. And SSI-only recipients are always paid on the 1st of the month.
This week’s payment is for those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st, so check your bank account on Wednesday.
Changes
Big updates are coming for all SSA beneficiaries:
- COLA Increase in January:
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will be announced on December 15, and all payments starting in January will reflect this increase. COLA ensures your monthly amount keeps pace with inflation. - No More Paper Checks:
Starting next month, SSA will stop sending paper checks. All benefits will go out by direct deposit, unless you qualify for an exception — which must be approved by SSA on a case-by-case basis.
If you still rely on paper checks and haven’t contacted SSA, now is the time to reach out.
If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, your Social Security check will arrive in two days — and if you’ve met the requirements, it could be worth up to $5,108. Make sure your direct deposit information is current and keep an eye out for more updates when the new COLA is announced later this week.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $5,108 SSA payment?
Retirees who paid max SSA taxes for 35 years and retired at 70.
When is the next SSA payment date?
December 18, for birthdays between the 21st–31st.
What if I get both SSI and retirement?
You’ll be paid on the 3rd of the month instead of Wednesday.
Is SSA ending paper checks?
Yes, starting next month. Exceptions are case-by-case.
When will the new COLA be announced?
The SSA will announce the new COLA on December 15.
