The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released its payment schedule for June 2026, alongside updated benefit amount data and forecasts for the 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
June 2026 Payment Schedule
Payments will be distributed on the following dates based on recipient category and birth date:
- June 1: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments
- June 3: Social Security payments for SSI recipients and individuals who began receiving benefits before May 1997
- June 10: Recipients with birth dates between the 1st and 10th
- June 17: Recipients with birth dates between the 11th and 20th
- June 24: Recipients with birth dates between the 21st and 31st
Direct deposits typically appear by 9 a.m. on the scheduled payment day. Paper checks may take up to three business days.
Benefit Amounts (April 2026 Data)
The maximum monthly amounts based on retirement age are as follows:
- Age 70: $5,181
- Full Retirement Age (2026): $4,152
- Age 62: $2,969
The average monthly benefit for retired workers in April 2026 was $2,026.41.
COLA Forecast for 2027
Estimates for the 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment have been published by two sources:
- The Senior Citizens League projects a 3.9% increase
- Analyst Mary Johnson projects a 4.2% increase
These projections are based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which rose 3.9% over the past 12 months.
If the 3.9% estimate is applied, the increase on the average benefit would be approximately $78.96.
If the 4.2% estimate is applied, the increase would be approximately $85.04.
Proposed SSI Rule Change
The SSA is reviewing changes to household income calculations used to determine SSI eligibility. Officials have stated this review could result in reduced benefits for some recipients.
Payment Methods and Eligibility
Federal benefit payments are required to be made electronically, via direct deposit or the Direct Express Debit Mastercard. Paper checks are issued to a minority of recipients; some may be required to switch to electronic options.
Recipients with late or missing payments should first verify bank information with their financial institution or the SSA. For unresolved issues, the SSA can be contacted by phone at 800-772-1213 or through a My Social Security account.
Qualifying for Benefits
To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, an individual must be at least 62 years old and have earned 40 work credits (approximately 10 years of work paying Social Security taxes). Disability or blindness may also qualify under specific criteria.
Family members, including spouses, ex-spouses, survivors, dependent parents, and children of eligible workers, may receive payments based on the beneficiary's record.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted via the My Social Security website or by appointment by calling 800-333-1795. The SSA recommends applying up to four months before the desired start date due to potential processing delays.