December 2025 is just around the corner, and millions of Americans will soon be receiving their Social Security benefits. For many, these payments are a crucial part of their monthly income, whether they’re receiving retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) spreads out these payments throughout the month, avoiding a massive lump sum distribution.
Key Dates for December 2025 Social Security Payments
For December 2025, the Social Security Administration has a structured payment schedule. The timing of these payments is generally determined by your birthdate. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key payment dates for December:
- Monday, December 1: SSI Payments
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will get their payments on the first day of the month. For SSI recipients, this is the official date for payments. - Wednesday, December 3: Social Security Payments for SSI Recipients
People who are also receiving SSI along with their regular Social Security benefits will receive their payments on this date. - Wednesday, December 10: Payments for Those Born Between the 1st and 10th of Any Month
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, expect your Social Security payment to arrive on this date. - Wednesday, December 17: Payments for Those Born Between the 11th and 20th of Any Month
Individuals whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of the month will receive their payments on December 17. - Wednesday, December 24: Payments for Those Born Between the 21st and 31st of Any Month
Finally, individuals with birthdays between the 21st and 31st will get their payments on December 24.
Early Payments Due to Federal Holidays
December 2025 is a bit unique because the first day of January 2026 falls on a federal holiday. Because of this, SSI recipients will receive their January 2026 payment a day early, on December 31, 2025. According to the SSA,
“When the first day of the month falls on the weekend or a federal holiday, you receive your SSI payment on the last business day before the first day of the month.” This ensures that no one has to wait beyond the first of the month to get their payment.
This provision is especially helpful for those who rely on these payments to cover essential living costs. It’s important to note, however, that this early payment does not mean recipients are getting duplicate payments.
“We do this to avoid putting you at a financial disadvantage and make sure that you don’t have to wait beyond the first of the month to get your payment. It does not mean that you are receiving a duplicate payment in the previous month, so you do not need to contact us to report the second payment,” the SSA wrote in a 2022 blog post.
A 2.8% COLA Increase for 2026
For most Social Security beneficiaries, December 2025 is a significant month not only because of the holiday season but also due to the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that will be applied to their benefits. This increase will be reflected in January 2026 payments for most beneficiaries, while SSI recipients will see the adjustment starting in December 2025.
This COLA is designed to help Social Security payments keep pace with inflation, ensuring that recipients can maintain their purchasing power in the face of rising living costs. The 2.8% increase translates to an additional $56 per month for the average retiree receiving Social Security benefits. This extra money will be a welcome boost for many, helping them cope with increased expenses in the new year.
As reported by Newsweek, SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano emphasized the importance of COLA, saying,
“Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities and continue to provide a foundation of security.”
