US Social Security payments up to $5,181 scheduled for May 27

Millions of Americans will receive their Social Security checks this week. The batch for beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of the month is slated for Wednesday, May 27. Payments are staggered by birth date, with earlier weeks covering those born on the 1st‑10th and 11th‑20th.

Retirees who delayed claiming until age 70 can receive as much as $5,181 per month, while the average monthly benefit for retired workers is just over $2,000. The amount earned depends on lifetime earnings and the age at which benefits begin. The Social Security Administration also forecasts a 2027 cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) of roughly 3.9%–4.2%, which would add about $80‑$85 to the typical monthly check.

Separately, a proposed rule change could affect up to 400,000 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients by altering how household income is calculated, potentially reducing some benefits.