New Social Security payments go out this week — and some Americans could get up to $5,251

The maximum Social Security check for 2026 is a whopping $5,251, which equates to roughly $63,000 a year, which is what the average senior household spends in a year, according to a report - (Getty Images)

Some of the millions of Americans who receive Social Security benefits may see surprisingly larger paychecks this year.

Given the latest cost-of-living adjustment of 2.8 percent, up from 2.5 percent in 2025, some beneficiaries will see the maximum monthly check increase to $5,251 — a significant jump from the $2,071 average Social Security check.