What is Social Security's November 18 deadline? Millions can check their 2027 COLA-adjusted payments early - Here's how

Mark the date as millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits have an important deadline fast approaching with less than a week to go, and taking a simple step before November 18, 2026, could give them a crystal clear idea as to how much money they will get next year after COLA rise. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027, giving a much-needed financial relief, amid rising everyday expenses, to the retirees, people with disabilities, and other beneficiaries.

While the higher payments will begin in January next year, the main idea behind this exercise is that the eligible recipients can check their updated monthly benefit amounts much earlier. But to know about their exact payments and deductions, they must complete a quick online process before the November 18 deadline to receive their personalized notices electronically. However, missing the deadline doesn't affect anyone's benefit increase. But it will basically delay the process as it will now take longer for the beneficiaries to know about their new payment amount.

WHAT IS SSA'S NOVEMBER 18 DEADLINE AND WHO NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION?

According to El Cronista, November 18 is the date set for beneficiaries to create their own ‘my Social Security’ account and subscribe to electronic notices.

Those who have completed the process will be able to access the personalized COLA notice for 2027 from late November onwards, which is three weeks before the printed letter reaches them in the mail. The notice will include their new monthly benefit amount, payment dates, and deductions.

November 18 is not a deadline to claim the COLA increase as beneficiaries in any case will still receive their adjusted payments but the only thing is that they will get to know about their amount in December only since their notices will arrive by mail and not electronically.

This 3.6% COLA increase will impact around 76 million people in America, with their monthly retirement benefits going up by around $75, as reported by El Cronista.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR 2027 SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT EARLY: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

The process is quite simple as beneficiaries can do it from home and there will be no need to visit a Social Security office. First, go to ‘my Social Security’ official website and log in or create a personal account. And then open the account's notification preferences to enable paperless notices before November 18.

Beneficiaries can also opt for email or text alerts in order to get notified whenever the customized COLA statement is ready. Once the notification is received through the Message Center, beneficiaries will be able to view their monthly payment and deductions.

According to El Cronista, the higher Social Security payments will start from January 2027, while the SSI payments will begin getting adjusted starting December 31, 2026.