The payout of social security on December 3, 2025 will cover particular groups of beneficiaries, providing retirement and SSDI and survivor benefits to millions of beneficiaries during the holiday season. This advance payment allows those who will be receiving benefits long term and those who are on dual SSI/Social Security, to get the payment as soon as possible and the direct deposits reach their accounts in early morning followed by the printed checks soon after. Knowledge of eligibility can assist 74 million recipients in budgeting end of year funds in a 2.8% COLA adjustment.
Who qualifies on December 3 Payments?
– Pre-May 1997 Beneficiaries: Beneficiaries of retirement, recipient of SSDI or survivor benefits prior to May 1997 receive payment on the 3rd – the first working day of the month. These are long time retirees (20 years and above), early disability approvals and pre 1997 pensions to the survivors.
– Dual SSI/Social Security Recipients: The recipients of both programs receive the Social Security on December 3 and SSI on December 1 and may experience several deposits at the beginning of the month.
– No Birth Date Dependency: In contrast to later dates (Dec 10/17/24 depending on 1-10/11-20/21-31), December 3 will give preference to legacy recipients without consideration of the month of birth.
What to Expect on Payment Day
– Direct Deposits: Posting around midnights ET; most banks citing by morning. Check through my Social Security account- 7.5 million check expect this week.
– Paper Checks: Mailed 3-5 days ago; holiday volume can make it late till Dec 6-8. Change to direct deposit via the Internet or SSA offices.
– Average Amounts: Retirement -1920 (pre-COLA), SSDI -1539, survivors -1601; the avg. of both recipients is 2.8% early COLA Dec 31 SSI excludes 2.8% early COLA.
Delivery Processes and Checking Procedures
– Direct Deposit (99% of payments): fastest/safest update routing/account my Social Security (ssa.gov/myaccount). Same-day at such banks as Chase/Wells Fargo.
– Paper Checks: Risky during holidays; monitor with USPS Informed Delivery or call 800-772-1213 after 3 days not received.
– Check Status: Payments can be checked in real-time via SSA app/portal; the two beneficiaries must certify the two payments.
The Effect of Future COLA and Holiday Adjustments
– 2.8% COLA: Jan 2026 effective increases avg retirement to 1976 +56, SSI-max 967 +25. Dec 31 SSI Payment new rate – no Jan check.
– Holiday Shifts: Earnings on Christmas Eve (Dec 24): Dec 24 earnants before early; Jan 2013 earnants to Dec 31, putting 8M payees on double payment.
Handling Issues or Delays
– Wait Period 3 business days after Dec 3 before contacting SSA, now with holidays until Dec 8-10.
– Banks Categorization: Repair banking (60% delays), fix SSA checks, report fraud using 800-772-1213 or internet. Dual payments? Verify both SSI/SS deposits.
– Medicare Deduction: part B (~$185) deduces on Jan (checks) and submits aids application through SSA-44 form.
Summary Table: 2025 Social Security Schedule in December
| Beneficiary Group | Payment Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSI (Regular) | Dec 1 | Monthly payment |
| Pre-1997/Dual SSI/SS (Dec 3) | Dec 3 | Legacy recipients first |
| Birthdays 1st–10th | Dec 10 | Second Wednesday |
| Birthdays 11th–20th | Dec 17 | Third Wednesday |
| Birthdays 21st–31st | Dec 24 | Christmas Eve (early) |
| SSI (Jan 2026 Advance + COLA) | Dec 31 | Holiday shift |
FAQs
Q1: Am I eligible for Dec 3 if pre-1997?
Yes, retirement/SSDI/survivor benefits, which began prior to May 1997, qualify no matter what your birthday is.
Q2: Dual SSI/SS recipients?
SSI Dec 1 + SS Dec 3; and, both through my Social Security.
Q3: Paper check delays?
Average 3-5 days; change to direct deposit so holiday mail does not affect.
