As December approaches, Social Security beneficiaries can expect their payments to follow the regular monthly schedule.
The December checks are especially important because they will be the final payments issued before the upcoming cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect in January 2026.
Most Social Security retirement benefits are paid on Wednesdays, with payment timing determined by your date of birth.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the December 2025 and early 2026 payment calendar so recipients can plan their budgets accurately.
How Social Security Payments Are Scheduled
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), retirement and disability benefits are distributed based on your birth date:
Birth Date 1st–10th of the Month
Payments are issued on the second Wednesday of every month.
For December 2025, this falls on December 10.
Birth Date 11th–20th of the Month
Those with birthdays in this range receive benefits on the third Wednesday, which is December 17.
Birth Date 21st–31st of the Month
Payments are sent on the fourth Wednesday, landing on December 24 this year.
Special Rule for Long-Term Recipients
Beneficiaries who started receiving payments before May 1997 are paid on a fixed date — December 3, 2025.
COLA Increase Coming In January 2026
Once the December payments are issued, recipients will see higher checks starting in January 2026. The SSA has confirmed a 2.8% COLA increase, which will raise monthly benefits by roughly $56 on average.
This adjustment is designed to help seniors and disabled individuals keep up with rising living costs.
December 2025 Social Security Payment Dates
Here is the SSA’s official payment schedule for December 2025:
- 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
- Wednesday, December 3 – For beneficiaries who began receiving benefits before May 1997
January 2026 Social Security Payment Dates
Payments for January 2026 will also follow the standard schedule:
- Wednesday, January 14 – Birthdays 1st–10th
- Wednesday, January 21 – Birthdays 11th–20th
- Wednesday, January 28 – Birthdays 21st–31st
SSI Payment Dates For December 2025 And Early 2026
Unlike Social Security retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is typically paid on the first business day of each month.
For December and early 2026, the payment dates are:
- Monday, December 1, 2025 – SSI payment for December 2025
- Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – SSI payment for January 2026 (issued early because Jan. 1 is a holiday)
- Friday, January 30, 2026 – SSI payment for February 2026
- Friday, February 27, 2026 – SSI payment for March 2026
- Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – SSI payment for April 2026
- Friday, May 1, 2026 – SSI payment for May 2026
- Monday, June 1, 2026 – SSI payment for June 2026
What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
SSI is a federal assistance program that provides monthly payments to people with limited income or financial resources who are:
- 65 or older
- Blind, or
- Living with a qualifying disability
Children with disabilities may also qualify.
Most adults who receive SSI typically earn less than $2,019 per month in wages, according to SSA guidelines.
How to Apply for SSI
You can start the application:
- Online through the SSA website
- In person at a Social Security office
- By phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), available 8 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays
Social Security and SSI beneficiaries can expect their December 2025 payments to be issued on the standard SSA schedule.
These checks are particularly important because they are the last payments before the January 2026 COLA increase boosts monthly benefits by an average of $56.
By reviewing the SSA calendars for both years, recipients can better plan their budgets and stay prepared for the year ahead.
FAQs
1. Will Social Security payments be delayed in December 2025?
No. The SSA confirms that December payments will follow the normal schedule, with no disruptions expected.
2. When will the 2026 COLA increase show up in my benefits?
The 2.8% COLA increase will appear in January 2026 Social Security payments.
3. Why is the January 2026 SSI payment sent in December 2025?
SSI does not issue payments on federal holidays. Since January 1, 2026, is New Year’s Day, payments are sent a day earlier on December 31, 2025.