Social Security beneficiaries will receive their final 2025 payments in December, following the Social Security Administration’s standard monthly schedule. These payments are especially important because they are the last checks issued before the upcoming cost-of-living adjustment takes effect in January 2026. With millions of seniors and retirees depending on Social Security, knowing exactly when payments arrive can help with end-of-year budgeting.
- December 2025 payments follow the regular Wednesday-based schedule tied to beneficiaries’ birth dates.
- Recipients will see higher payments beginning January 2026 due to a 2.8 percent COLA increase.
- SSI beneficiaries have a different schedule, with some early payments due to holidays.
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How December Social Security Payments Are Scheduled
Social Security distributes most retirement benefits on Wednesdays, and payment dates depend on the beneficiary’s birth date. Individuals who were already receiving benefits before May 1997 follow a different timetable.
The December 2025 Social Security payment schedule is as follows:
- Birthdays between the 1st and 10th: Paid on Wednesday, December 10
- Birthdays between the 11th and 20th: Paid on Wednesday, December 17
- Birthdays between the 21st and 31st: Paid on Wednesday, December 24
Anyone who started receiving benefits before May 1997 will instead be paid earlier, on December 3.
COLA Increase Arriving in January 2026
Once December payments are completed, beneficiaries will experience the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment. The 2.8 percent COLA will raise monthly benefit amounts by approximately $56 on average. This adjustment helps Social Security payments keep pace with inflation and rising household expenses.
Payment Schedule for December 2025 and January 2026
The Social Security Administration publishes calendars for each year so beneficiaries can check payment dates in advance. Here is the confirmed schedule for both months:
December 2025 Retirement Benefits
- Wednesday, December 10: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th
- Wednesday, December 17: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- Wednesday, December 24: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st
January 2026 Retirement Benefits
- Wednesday, January 14: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th
- Wednesday, January 21: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th
- Wednesday, January 28: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Schedule for December 2025 and Early 2026
SSI follows a different schedule because payments are typically issued on the first business day of each month. When holidays fall on the first day of the month, payments are sent earlier.
The upcoming SSI payment schedule is:
- Monday, December 1, 2025: SSI payment for December
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025: SSI payment for January 2026 (early due to New Year’s Day)
- Friday, January 30, 2026: Payment for February 2026
- Friday, February 27, 2026: Payment for March 2026
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026: Payment for April 2026
- Friday, May 1, 2026: Payment for May 2026
- Monday, June 1, 2026: Payment for June 2026
What SSI Provides and Who Qualifies
Supplemental Security Income supports individuals with limited income and resources who are aged 65 or older, as well as people who are blind, disabled, or children with qualifying conditions. Generally, qualifying adults must have monthly earnings below $2,019.
If someone believes they may qualify for SSI, they can start the application process online, visit a local Social Security office, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.
Summary
December marks the final month of standard Social Security payments before the 2026 COLA increase boosts monthly benefits. With predictable schedules for both retirement and SSI benefits, recipients can better plan their end-of-year and early-2026 budgets. Understanding when your payment is arriving helps ensure financial stability as the new year approaches.
