Key Takeaways
- Standard Schedule: Social Security payments for December 2025 will be distributed according to the regular schedule, based on beneficiaries’ birth dates.
- Final Pre-COLA Payment: These checks will be the last ones issued before the new 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect in January 2026.
- SSI Schedule: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their December payment on December 1, while the January 2026 payment will arrive early on December 31, 2025.
- 2026 Increase: Starting in January 2026, the average Social Security benefit will increase by about $56 per month due to the COLA.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed the payment schedule for December 2025, which will proceed as usual without any holiday-related disruptions. For millions of retirees and other beneficiaries, these will be the final payments before the recently announced cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) boosts their monthly checks in the new year.
December 2025 Social Security Payment Dates
The distribution of Social Security retirement benefits is staggered throughout the month, primarily based on the recipient’s birth date. This system ensures a smooth and predictable delivery of funds.
Here is the payment schedule for December 2025:
- December 10 (Second Wednesday): For individuals with birthdays falling between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- December 17 (Third Wednesday): For those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th.
- December 24 (Fourth Wednesday): For beneficiaries with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st.
Additionally, recipients who began receiving their benefits before May 1997 will get their payment earlier, on December 3.
Last Checks Before the 2026 COLA Increase
The December checks are notable as they are the last ones before the 2.8% COLA takes effect in January 2026. This adjustment is designed to help benefits keep pace with inflation.
Following this increase, the average monthly Social Security payment is expected to rise by approximately $56. Beneficiaries will see this increase reflected in their January 2026 payments, which will be distributed according to that month’s regular schedule.
SSI Payment Schedule for December and January
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follow a different payment schedule. SSI payments are typically made on the first of the month.
- The payment for December 2025 will be sent on Monday, December 1.
- Because January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday (New Year’s Day), the SSI payment for January 2026 will be issued early on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have limited income and resources. It is also available to individuals aged 65 or older who meet the financial criteria without a disability. The program is designed to help cover basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.
Image Referance: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2025/11/29/social-security-payments-schedule-december-2025/87508130007/
