Retirement Social Security

Some Social Security Recipients Are Getting an Extra $90 This Week - Are You One of Them?

Many seniors are receiving extra $90 payments, leading to some confusion.

By Paige Cerulli , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Oct. 14, 2026

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Millions of seniors are used to receiving Social Security senior benefits each month, but many are suddenly finding an extra deposit in their accounts this month. The $90 deposit, which has been sent to some Medicare enrollees, isn't actually related to Social Security at all. The deposit is causing confusion, and some seniors are wondering about just where it came from and what it's for.

Here's what you should know about the $90 payments, their source, and whether you might receive one.

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The source of the $90 payments

On October 2, President Trump announced that some Medicare Part B enrollees would receive $90 payments, which are funded by the Medicare Improvement Fund. The Medicare Improvement Fund was developed in 2008 to help improve program operations, and the payments are an effort to help lower healthcare costs.

Trump is the first president to use the Medicare Improvement Fund in this way. Congress has periodically withdrawn money from the fund, including using $20.74 billion to create the Affordable Care Act in 2010.

According to a White House fact sheet, the payments are part of Trump's "promises to lower costs for American patients." The one-time payments are intended to help enrollees pay for their Medicare Part B coverage.

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Who is eligible for the payments

About one-third of the 62.9 million Medicare Part B enrollees are eligible to receive the payments. To qualify, seniors must live in the U.S. and be enrolled in Part B coverage. They must not already receive premium assistance from Medicaid or pay adjusted monthly premiums based on their income.

Who is ineligible for the payments

Seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are ineligible to receive payments. Medicare Part B enrollees receiving premium assistance or paying an adjusted monthly premium also don't qualify.

About 40 million Part B enrollees don't qualify for the payment.

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The rising cost of Medicare Part B

While the $90 payments may be helpful, they don't fully make up the cost increases that Medicare Part B enrollees have experienced. In 2026, Part B costs increased by more than $200 per year. The Medicare trustees' most recent annual report projects that Part B costs may increase by approximately $80 in 2027.

In 2026, the standard monthly Part B premium is $202.90. That premium might increase to $209.50 in 2027.

How the payment works

The $90 payment is a one-time occurrence. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the payments are scheduled to be issued in October. Most beneficiaries may receive a direct deposit on or around October 8th, though some may receive a paper check from the U.S. Department of the Treasury later in the month. Paper checks should feature a message, "Medicare Improvement Fund Payment; $90 Payment to Offset October Premium."

The one-time payment is not a Social Security benefit; Social Security benefits are issued monthly, and individuals receive Social Security benefits regardless of whether they're enrolled in Medicare Part B. These one-time payments are only issued to qualifying Medicare Part B enrollees, but it's easy to confuse the two programs.

How to check on your payment status

If you're enrolled in Medicare Part B and don't receive premium assistance or pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, you might qualify for a $90 payment. You may call 1-800-MEDICARE to check on your eligibility.

Beginning on October 15, 2026, you may also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to check on your payment status.

If you don't have direct deposit, be sure to carefully monitor your mail. Individuals without direct deposit may receive paper checks, and it could be easy to overlook those checks.

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The concern over increasing healthcare costs

The $90 checks may offer eligible Medicare Part B enrollees some financial relief, but that relief may be temporary. Recent KFF polling has found that high healthcare costs are taking a toll on U.S. families, and 27% of respondents say that they are "very" worried about affording healthcare costs for themselves and their families. Additionally, 43% of U.S. adults say that they haven't taken their medication as prescribed in the past year because of costs.

Such costs may be particularly concerning for seniors who may have significant healthcare needs and who typically live on a fixed income.

Bottom line

The Medicare Part B payment is a one-time payment that may help ease some of your healthcare costs for the moment, but there's been no announcement of future payments. The rebate may help make up for some of the anticipated cost increases that you might see in your Part B premiums in 2027.

As healthcare costs increase, you might feel that your budget is strained. Reviewing your health insurance coverage to make sure you've chosen the best plans for your needs is a good first step. Staying proactive and receiving regular checkups may also help keep costs down by addressing health issues before they get worse. Seeking regular care may be a good idea, even if your retirement savings are stretched thin.

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