SSI payments for December 2025 will follow the Social Security Administration’s confirmed calendar, and this year brings an important scheduling shift. Beneficiaries will receive the regular December payment on December 1, 2025, followed by an additional payment on December 31, 2025, due to the New Year’s Day federal holiday. That second payment includes the official 2026 cost-of-living adjustment.
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Why Two Payments Arrive in December
SSI is always scheduled for the first day of each month. When that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment moves to the nearest prior business day.
Since January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday, the January SSI payment shifts back to December 31, 2025.
This results in two SSI deposits during December for most recipients:
- December 1, 2025: Regular monthly benefit
- December 31, 2025: Early January 2026 payment, issued one day early
The December 31 deposit is not a bonus payment. It simply arrives early because banks cannot process payments on New Year’s Day.
The COLA Increase Included in the December 31 Payment
The January payment, arriving early on December 31, includes the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that takes effect for 2026.
This means beneficiaries will see their increased benefit amount immediately, instead of waiting until after the holiday.
For context:
- The 2025 federal maximum SSI payment was $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples.
- With the confirmed 2.8% COLA for 2026, the maximum SSI amounts rise to:
- $994 for individuals
- $1,491 for couples
Actual payment amounts vary based on income, living situation, and any state supplements.
Who Receives the December 31 Payment?
Nearly all SSI beneficiaries are included in the adjusted schedule.
Those who receive both SSI and Social Security may notice that the two programs follow different calendars, but SSI alone uses the first-of-month rule that triggers this early payment.
If you receive only SSI, expect:
- One payment on December 1
- A second payment on December 31
If you receive both SSI and Social Security:
- Your SSI will follow the dates above
- Your Social Security retirement or SSDI payment will follow the standard Wednesday-based schedule and will not be paid early
What Beneficiaries Should Check Before December
To avoid delays or confusion, SSI recipients should review a few key items:
✔ Confirm direct deposit information
Ensure your bank account and routing numbers are current. Incorrect information can delay both the December 1 and December 31 payments.
✔ Review benefit notices online
Most beneficiaries can view updated payment details in their online SSA account, where notices often appear before the mailed version arrives.
✔ Understand that two payments in December do not affect monthly eligibility
Receiving two payments in one month does not reduce benefits or create an overpayment. It is only the result of the holiday adjustment.
✔ Plan your budget for two payment dates
Many beneficiaries rely on monthly SSI for rent, utilities, and medication.
Seeing the January payment early may help with holiday or early-month expenses, but recipients should remember that no SSI payment will arrive in January 2026, since it was already issued on December 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will everyone get two payments in December 2025?
Most SSI recipients will receive two payments. The December 1 benefit is standard, and the December 31 benefit is the early January 2026 payment.
Is the December 31 payment taxable?
SSI is not taxable at the federal level. Recipients will not owe taxes on the December 31 deposit.
What about paper checks?
Most people receive direct deposit, but those who still receive paper checks should allow additional time for postal delivery.
If the payment is delayed, the SSA advises waiting a few business days before contacting them.
Will state supplements follow the same schedule?
In most states, supplementary payments issued through SSA follow the same timing. States that administer supplements separately may vary, but the federal portion always arrives according to the federal calendar.
Does this affect future payment dates?
No. After the December 31, 2025 early payment, the next SSI deposit will be on February 1, 2026, because there is no January payment date left to process.
Key Dates for SSI Beneficiaries in December 2025
| Date | What It Is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2025 | Regular SSI Payment | Standard monthly benefit |
| December 31, 2025 | Early January 2026 SSI Payment | Includes the 2.8% COLA increase |
The Bottom Line
December 2025 will bring two SSI payments—one at the start of the month and another on December 31 that includes the 2026 COLA increase. Beneficiaries should update their account information, review notices, and plan ahead for the early January deposit arriving before the new year.
If this schedule affects your budgeting or planning, feel free to share your experience or questions in the comments below.