If you’re tracking December Social Security payments, here’s the latest update: benefit deposits for eligible recipients are scheduled according to the usual monthly calendar, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients should note that the December deposit will occur on December 1, 2025, after the November payment shifted early. As you plan for year-end budgeting, it’s important to understand key dates, upcoming cost-of-living adjustments, and how payment timing may affect you.
Table of Contents
Payment Dates for Retired and Disability Beneficiaries
For most beneficiaries receiving retirement or disability benefits, the December payment date depends on your birth date:
- If born on the 1st-10th: payment arrives on the second Wednesday of December.
- If born on the 11th-20th: payment arrives on the third Wednesday of December.
- If born on the 21st-31st: payment arrives on the fourth Wednesday of December.
There are no announced changes to this schedule for December 2025, so payments should post as expected within these windows.
SSI Scheduling in December
If you receive SSI, your payment typically posts on the first day of each month. Because November 1 fell on a Saturday, the November deposit moved to October 31. That means no additional SSI deposit occurs in November, and your next payment will post on December 1, 2025. Be sure to monitor your account so you know the funds arrive on that date.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment and Benefit Impacts
A key change coming for many recipients is the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) set for January 2026. Highlights:
- A COLA increase of about 2.8% will apply to benefits starting in January.
- For December benefits, you’ll still receive your 2025 rate; the new amount begins with the January payment.
- SSI recipients may see their adjusted rate effective December 31, so December’s payment remains at the current rate.
- You will receive a notice of your exact benefit amount for 2026 in early December.
Consider December your “baseline” month before the new rate kicks in.
What to Watch for in December Scheduling & Logistics
Because December includes holidays and weekend dates, payment timing may vary slightly:
- If your payment date falls on a federal holiday or weekend, you’ll likely receive your deposit on the business day before.
- Most beneficiaries receive direct deposit or use the Direct Express card; paper checks are no longer the norm.
- If a payment doesn’t appear on the expected date, allow a few extra business days in case of bank-processing delays.
To avoid surprises, mark your payment date on a calendar and check your account promptly.
Estimating Your Benefit Amount for December
Everyone’s payment is slightly different, but to give a general sense:
- The average monthly benefit for retired workers in 2025 is around $1,900 per month.
- With the upcoming COLA, that amount will rise by about $50-60 per month for many recipients beginning January.
- Your own amount depends on your work history, age at retirement, and any deductions (such as Medicare premiums or tax withholding).
- You can review your personalized amount by logging into your online account.
Use December to compare your benefit to earlier months and plan for the increase ahead.
Budget Tips for Beneficiaries This Month
Planning ahead for December is wise, especially during holiday spending or year-end financial activity. Consider these steps:
- Note exactly when your payment will arrive and plan large purchases accordingly.
- Pay time-sensitive bills earlier in the month to avoid relying on funds that arrive late due to holidays.
- Since the new benefit rate doesn’t apply yet, treat December’s payment as comparable to recent months.
- SSI recipients who received the November deposit early (October 31) should budget carefully to stretch through December.
- Keep your online account login ready so you can monitor deposits, updates and any notifications.
Important Questions Answered
When will I receive my benefit if my birthday falls on December 25?
If your birth date is the 25th, you fall into the 21-31 range and your payment will arrive on the fourth Wednesday of December.
Will the COLA increase apply to my December payment?
No. The new rate takes effect for benefits payable in January 2026. December’s payment uses the 2025 amount.
Why did my SSI payment come early for November and what does that mean for December?
Because November 1 landed on a Saturday, the SSI payment moved up to October 31. Your next payment will post December 1 as scheduled.
What You Should Check in Your Online Account
Ensure your accounts are accurate and ready:
- Verify your deposit date and amount.
- Confirm your direct deposit or debit-card account information.
- Look for any messages about upcoming changes to your benefit.
- Review whether your Medicare premium or other deductions have been updated.
Creating a small checklist now helps avoid surprises in December and January.
Implications for Families and Advisors
If you support someone receiving benefits—such as a parent or client—then the December payment period matters for planning:
- Coordinate shared expenses or holiday assistance knowing the payment schedule.
- Prepare for the January increase by reviewing December’s baseline amount.
- Factor the December payment into tax-year-end budgeting, where applicable.
- Make sure the beneficiary’s contact and bank info on file is current and accurate.
Final Thoughts
December Social Security payments reflect the predictable schedule beneficiaries rely on, while ensuring you’re ready for the upcoming benefit increase. By confirming your deposit date, checking your direct-deposit details and planning ahead, you’ll navigate December with confidence.
Let us know in the comments how you plan for your December payment and what questions you may have ahead of the new year.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Always verify payment dates and benefit amounts with the Social Security Administration or a qualified professional before making financial decisions.