Many Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive a payment on December 1, 2025, but not everyone will get the maximum $967 amount. Eligibility, income, and living arrangements determine whether an individual receives the full federal SSI rate or a lower benefit.
What the $967 Payment Really Means
The figure of $967 represents the maximum federal SSI benefit for an eligible individual in 2025, not a flat amount paid to every beneficiary. Couples who both qualify for SSI face a different cap, set at a higher level to reflect shared living expenses.
In practice, many people receive less than this ceiling because the Social Security Administration (SSA) reduces SSI based on countable income, free housing, or other support. Some states add small supplements, which can push the total monthly benefit for residents in those states above the federal maximum.
Key December 2025 Payment Dates
December is an unusual month because the calendar and federal holidays shift part of the payment schedule. For SSI, the month brings both the regular December payment and an early deposit that technically belongs to January.
According to the official 2025 and 2026 payment calendars, SSI is scheduled on the first of the month, while most retirement, disability, and survivor benefits are paid on specific Wednesdays depending on birth dates or on the 3rd for long‑time beneficiaries. This structure remains in place even when some people receive two checks in the same calendar month due to a holiday shift.
December 2025 Federal Benefit Snapshot
| Benefit type / situation | Typical December 2025 date | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| SSI – all eligible recipients | December 1, 2025 | Pays up to $967 for an individual. |
| Social Security (pre‑May 1997 or SSI + Social Security) | December 3, 2025 | Combined cases paid on the 3rd. |
| Social Security birthdays 1–10 | December 10, 2025 | Paid on second Wednesday. |
| Social Security birthdays 11–20 | December 17, 2025 | Paid on third Wednesday. |
| Social Security birthdays 21–31 | December 24, 2025 | Paid on fourth Wednesday. |
| Early SSI for January 2026 | December 31, 2025 | January payment moved up for holiday. |
Who Can Receive $967 on December 1?
To receive the full $967 SSI amount on December 1, 2025, an individual must qualify for SSI and meet strict financial and non‑financial rules. The person must have limited income and resources, be age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability, and be a U.S. citizen or meet specific non‑citizen criteria.
The SSA subtracts countable income such as wages or certain pensions from the federal maximum to determine the actual monthly payment. If someone has no countable income and does not receive significant free food or shelter, the SSA may pay the full $967, while those with other support will see a smaller deposit.
Why Some People Get Two Payments in December
Because New Year’s Day 2026 is a federal holiday, the SSI payment that normally would arrive on January 1 will instead be paid on December 31, 2025. As a result, many SSI recipients see two deposits in the same calendar month: one on December 1 for December and one on December 31 for January.
This double‑deposit scenario does not mean recipients get extra money overall; it is purely a timing adjustment so that funds are available before banks close for the holiday. Beneficiaries need to plan their budgets carefully, remembering that the second December payment is meant to cover January’s expenses.
How Regular Social Security Fits In
The $967 figure applies to federal SSI, not to standard Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Retirement, survivor, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) checks are based on each worker’s earnings history and claiming age, so there is no single flat benefit level for these programs.
In December 2025, those who receive regular Social Security rather than SSI will be paid on December 3 or one of the three Wednesdays, depending on when they first became entitled and on their birth date. Some people who qualify for both Social Security and SSI may receive an SSI payment on December 1 and their Social Security benefit on December 3.
Planning Ahead for the End of the Year
The combination of a possible $967 SSI payment, an early January check, and regular Social Security deposits makes December a critical month for financial planning. Beneficiaries who treat the December 31 payment as January income rather than a bonus are better positioned to cover rent, utilities, and food at the start of 2026.
Anyone who does not see a scheduled payment should wait a few mailing days and then contact the SSA or their bank to trace the deposit. Reviewing the official SSA calendars and keeping personal records of expected payment dates can help avoid confusion and reduce the risk of overspending during the holiday season.
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FAQs
Q1. Will everyone on SSI get $967 on December 1, 2025?
No. The $967 amount is the maximum federal SSI benefit for an individual in 2025; actual payments are often lower because of income, living arrangements, and state rules.
Q2. Why are some SSI recipients getting two payments in December 2025?
The regular December SSI payment is due on December 1, and the January 2026 payment will be issued early on December 31 because New Year’s Day is a federal holiday.
Q3. Does the second December payment mean extra money overall?
No. The December 31 deposit is simply January’s SSI payment paid early, so beneficiaries still receive one SSI benefit per month over time.
