If you’re among the more than 70 million Americans who rely on Social Security benefits, understanding when your December 2025 payment will arrive is essential for managing your monthly budget. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about December’s payment schedule, amounts, and important updates.
SSA December 2025 Payment Schedule
The Social Security Administration distributes payments throughout the month based on your birth date and when you began receiving benefits. For December 2025, payments follow the standard schedule: benefits are paid on the second Wednesday for those born between the 1st-10th, the third Wednesday for those born between the 11th-20th, and the fourth Wednesday for those born between the 21st-31st.
Complete December 2025 Payment Dates
Monday, December 1, 2025 This payment date applies to Social Security beneficiaries who also collect SSI or have been collecting benefits since before May 1997.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month will receive their payments on this date.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Those born between the 11th and 20th of the month can expect their deposits on this date.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 Individuals born between the 21st and 31st will receive their payments on the final Wednesday of December.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) received their regular December payment on Monday, December 3. Because December 1 falls on a Monday, there will be no double SSI payment this month.
Understanding Your Payment Amount
The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit in 2025 is approximately $2,008. However, individual payment amounts vary based on several factors:
- Lifetime earnings history: Your 35 highest-earning years determine your benefit
- Age at retirement: Claiming early reduces benefits, while delaying increases them
- Cost-of-living adjustments: Annual increases help maintain purchasing power
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries, the average monthly benefit in 2025 is approximately $1,580.
The maximum monthly benefit for those retiring at full retirement age in 2025 is around $4,873.
Current Year COLA Information
The official COLA increase for 2025 is 2.5%, which mirrors forecasts by economic experts. This adjustment took effect in January 2025 and applies to all benefit payments throughout the year.
Looking Ahead: 2026 COLA Announcement
The Social Security Administration announced the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) on October 24, 2025. Benefits will increase 2.8% in 2026, translating to an additional $56 for the average retiree, resulting in an average monthly check of $2,071, up from $2,015 in 2025.
Married couples will see an average increase of $88, raising their monthly benefit to $3,208 from $3,120 in 2025.
The new COLA will take effect with January 2026 payments.
Full Retirement Age Changes in December 2025
In December 2025, the full retirement age (FRA), the age at which individuals qualify to receive 100% of their Social Security benefits, will increase to 66 years and 10 months for those born in 1959.
FRA gradually rises month by month, so in December 2025, those born in January 1959 reach FRA. The following month, December 2025, marks the point when those born in February 1959 hit their FRA, and this pattern continues into 2026.
How to Verify Your Payment
Online Account Access
You can use a my Social Security account to safely manage your personal Social Security information. The account can help you manage tasks such as checking the status of an application, estimating future benefits, and receiving updates about the COLA.
Contact Information
Beneficiaries can verify upcoming payments through the SSA hotline at 1-800-772-1213 for updates or to report missing payments (TTY users call 1-800-325-0778).
When to Take Action
The SSA recommends waiting at least three business days before reaching out if a payment doesn’t arrive on time. Weekends and federal holidays are not counted as business days.
Payment Methods
Most beneficiaries receive their deposits via direct deposit, ensuring funds arrive securely and on time. The SSA continues to encourage electronic payments, reducing delays associated with paper checks.
Paper Check Policy Update
While the Social Security Administration still encourages electronic payments, it has confirmed that paper checks will continue to be sent to people who have no other way to get their benefits. In a public update, SSA officials stated: “There are no plans to pause any payments starting October 1. Where a beneficiary has no other means to receive payment, we will continue to issue paper checks”.
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Important 2026 Changes
Work Credit Requirements
To earn one credit in 2026, you must have wages and self-employment income of $1,890, and you must earn $7,560 to get four full credits. This amount increases annually from $1,810 in 2025.
Taxable Wage Limit
The new Social Security tax limit is $184,500 in 2026, up $8,400 from $176,100 in 2025.
Earnings Test Limits
The SSA temporarily withholds $1 of your benefits for every $2 earned over $24,480 or $2,040 per month for 2026. In a year the worker hits full retirement age, the test is more generous, the worker forfeits $1 in benefits for every $3 in 2026 earnings above $65,160 or $5,430 per month.
Tips for Managing Your December Payment
- Mark your calendar: Note your specific payment date based on your birth date
- Check your account: Log into your my Social Security account to verify payment details
- Update direct deposit: Ensure your banking information is current to avoid delays
- Budget accordingly: Plan your monthly expenses around your payment date
- Watch for COLA notices: Starting in late December 2025, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the message center of their my Social Security account
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Thanksgiving affect my payment? Because Thanksgiving is scheduled to fall on Thursday, December 27, thus no payments will be delayed or advanced, all deposits are planned separately and will release as scheduled.
What if my payment is late? If your payment hasn’t arrived three business days after your scheduled date, the SSA recommends first checking with your bank and then contacting the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213.
Can I change my payment method? Yes, you can update your direct deposit information through your my Social Security account or by contacting the SSA directly.
At A Glance
December 2025 Social Security payments follow the standard distribution schedule, with most beneficiaries receiving deposits on December 10, 17, or 24, depending on their birth date. With the 2.5% COLA from January still in effect and the 2.8% increase confirmed for 2026, beneficiaries can plan their finances accordingly as the year comes to a close.
Social Security December 2025 payments are distributed on December 1 (SSI/pre-May 1997 beneficiaries), December 10 (born 1st-10th), December 17 (born 11th-20th), and December 24 (born 21st-31st).
Understanding your payment date and staying informed about upcoming changes helps ensure you can effectively manage your monthly budget and take advantage of all available benefits. Always verify information through official SSA channels and keep your account information current to avoid payment delays.
