Millions of beneficiaries are to get a check from the U.S.’s Social Security Administration on the final day of October.

While you may think taking this precaution to protect your card will make it safer, it actually makes it less secure. Here's why.

Social Security is a financial lifeline for retirees, but the way you access it is shifting. As 2025 unfolds, administrative priorities are changing how millions of people interact with the program day-to-day.

After a delay, the Social Security Administration has announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. This is expected to add about $56 to the average benefit, though you could get a little more or less than this. It may not be the boost you were hoping for, but any extra money is better than your checks remaining the same.

Social Security Administration (SSA) will send early SSI payments for November 2025 on October 31. Since November 1 falls on a weekend, eligible recipients will get their checks in advance. Regular Social Security payments will still follow the birth-date schedule — November 12,