Retirees aged 66-67 who qualify for Social Security benefits can receive payments up to $3,822 in November 2024. This payment amount applies only to those who have worked for at least 35 years, reached Full Retirement Age, and met other specific conditions.
Payment dates in November vary based on birth date and other factors, and below, we’ll break down the important dates and eligibility details.
November 1 Payments: Early Payday for Some
Social Security recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997 will receive their November payment on November 1. This group includes individuals receiving both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to limited income.
However, those who receive SSI typically do not qualify for the maximum Social Security amount, as SSI benefits are generally lower.
November 13 Payments: First Round of Payments for Birthdays on the 1st-10th
For retirees aged 66-67 who filed for Social Security after 1997 and have birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month, November 13 is the first Wednesday payment date in November. To qualify for the maximum monthly benefit of $3,822, recipients must meet the following conditions:
- Filed for Social Security after April 30, 1997
- Not collecting SSI benefits in addition to Social Security
- Worked 35 years or more in jobs covered by Social Security
- Filed at Full Retirement Age (66-67)
- Earned the maximum contribution to Social Security for 35 years
November 20 and November 27 Payments: Payment Dates for Later Birthdays
The payment dates for November also extend to the 20th and 27th, based on birth date:
- November 20: Recipients born between the 11th and 20th of any month
- November 27: Recipients born after the 20th of any month
These later dates are not exclusive to retirees aged 66-67; other Social Security beneficiaries also receive payments on these dates, depending on their birth dates and filing details.
Average Social Security Payments vs. Maximum Benefits
While $3,822 is the maximum monthly benefit, most retirees receive less. As of August 2024, the average Social Security benefit is around $1,920 for retired workers, with many retirees receiving less depending on their earnings record. The average amount for 66- and 67-year-olds may be slightly lower than the overall average, especially if they did not reach the maximum earning thresholds.
| Criteria | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum Monthly Benefit (66-67) | $3,822 |
| Average Retirement Benefit | $1,920 |
Maximizing Social Security Benefits
Retirees who delay their Social Security filing until age 70 can increase their monthly benefits by approximately 24% due to delayed retirement credits. For those still working or considering a delayed retirement, this can result in higher monthly payments.
Key Points on the 2025 COLA Adjustment
The 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is not reflected in November’s payments. The next COLA increase will be applied to Social Security benefits starting in January, providing a boost to monthly payments to keep pace with inflation.
November’s Social Security schedule accommodates retirees across different age groups, with benefits varying based on work history, filing age, and other criteria. For eligible retirees aged 66-67, the first three pay dates in November offer a range of payment options, with those meeting all requirements receiving up to $3,822.
