New Social Security and Medicare Updates That May Affect Your Budget

November 26, 2025 kenra

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released the detailed Social Security payment schedule for November and December 2025, outlining exactly when retirees will receive their monthly benefits. These Social Security payment dates follow a birth-date-based system for beneficiaries who began collecting checks after May 1997. This structured approach ensures predictable and efficient delivery of retirement payments nationwide.

Social Security Payment Schedule for November 2025

For retirees who started receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997, payments are issued every Wednesday, with the exact date determined by the beneficiary’s birthday.

November 2025 Payment Dates

November 19, 2025 (3rd Wednesday):
For retirees born between the 11th and 20th.
November 26, 2025 (4th Wednesday):
For retirees born between the 21st and 31st.

This staggered Social Security payment system helps streamline national disbursements and avoid processing delays.

Social Security Payment Schedule for December 2025

The same birth-date-based structure continues in December.

December 2025 Payment Dates

December 10, 2025 (2nd Wednesday):
Beneficiaries born from the 1st to the 10th.
December 17, 2025 (3rd Wednesday):
Beneficiaries born from the 11th to the 20th.
December 24, 2025 (4th Wednesday):
Beneficiaries born from the 21st to the 31st.

Additional Social Security Payments in December

1. Pre-1997 Beneficiaries

Anyone who started collecting benefits before May 1997, including those who receive both SSI and Social Security, will be paid on:

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

2. SSI Advance Payment for January 2026

The SSI payment for January 2026 will be issued early:

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

This advance payment occurs because January 1 is a federal holiday. The SSA always adjusts payments when a scheduled date falls on a weekend or holiday.

Social Security Retirement Benefit Amounts for Late 2025

Retirement checks for the end of 2025 will remain unchanged, as they already reflect the 2.5% COLA increase applied in January 2025.

Average and Maximum Social Security Benefits

Average monthly retirement benefit: $2,008
Maximum monthly benefit at full retirement age: $4,018

The maximum benefit applies to individuals who paid the highest taxable earnings for at least 35 years and filed exactly at full retirement age.

The 2026 COLA Increase

The SSA has confirmed a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. This adjustment will first show up in January 2026 Social Security payments, except for SSI recipients, who will receive their increase on December 31, 2025.

How Much Will Benefits Increase?

Average benefit rises from $2,008 → $2,064
(approximate $56 monthly increase)
Maximum benefit rises from $4,018 → $4,152

Medicare Part B Changes for 2026

Premium Increase

The standard Medicare Part B premium will increase:

2025: $185
2026: $202.90
(an increase of $17.90)

Deductible Increase

The annual Part B deductible will also rise:

2025: $257
2026: $283
(increase of $26)

After meeting the deductible, Medicare covers 80% of approved services, while beneficiaries pay the remaining 20%, unless they have Medigap or Medicare Advantage coverage.

Medicare Part A Cost Adjustments for 2026

Most retirees do not pay a premium for Medicare Part A, but several cost-sharing elements will change in 2026.

Updated Part A Costs

Hospital stay deductible:
increases to $1,736 (up $60)
Skilled nursing facility copay (days 21–100):
rises to $217 per day

These increases reflect annual adjustments based on healthcare inflation.

IRMAA Surcharges for Higher-Income Beneficiaries in 2026

The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) will continue to apply to high-income retirees. The surcharges are based on 2024 tax returns.

2026 IRMAA Key Points

IRMAA premiums will rise by about 9%
Surcharges begin at:
- $109,000+ income for single filers
- $218,000+ for joint filers

Highest IRMAA Cost

In the top tier, the total Part B premium may climb to $689.90 per month in 2026.

Medicare Part D Adjustments for 2026

Deductible Increase

2026 deductible cap: $615

Average Premium Change

Part D plan premiums will fall slightly:

From $38 → $34.50 per month

Ongoing reforms under the Inflation Reduction Act will continue to influence prescription drug pricing.

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Conclusion

The end of 2025 and the start of 2026 bring significant updates to Social Security payment dates, COLA increases, and Medicare cost changes. Retirees can expect earlier SSI payments, higher monthly checks due to the 2026 COLA, and adjustments to Medicare premiums and deductibles. Staying informed about these Social Security updates ensures beneficiaries can plan their finances with clarity and confidence.