The schedule of social security payments on December 2025 are structured according to the date of birth of the recipient, with an exception that the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments would come out with a significant change due to the New Years Day federal holiday. Majority of the beneficiaries will make their payments on schedule and SSI recipients will receive two payments in December and none in January 2026.
Social Security Retirement, Disability and Survivors Payment Schedule
– December 3: Recipients who began prior to May 1997 or those that receive both Social Security and SSI.
– December 10: Beneficiaries whose birthdays are on the 1st -10th of the month.
– December 17: Beneficiaries whose birthdays fall within the 11th and 20th.
– December 24: Beneficials with birthdays in the 21st -31st (Christmas Eve payment, which is usually made early).
– Money is typically deposited in the early morning of such dates; paper checks require extra time to be mailed.
SSI Payment Special Schedule Special Note
– December 1: SSI standard monthly installments are made.
– December 31: The payment of SSI recipients who will get the January 2026 payment is early because it is the day before the holiday on January 1.
The result will be that no SSI payments can be made in January 2026.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
– Two SSI payments in December can be spent on holidays; the recipients should plan to take into account the January gap.
– Payments should be made on time by the beneficiaries through the my Social Security portal to verify account and direct deposit details.
Delays exceeding three days after the payment dates are to be reported to Customer service of Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Effect of 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
– The majority of Social Security recipients will be paid a 2.8% COLA as of January 2026 (except SSI January compensation provided in December 31 includes the adjustment).
– The Part B Medicare premiums would also go up, and this may offset part of the COLA of most recipients.
Summary Table: December 2025 Payment Dates of Social Security
| Group | Payment Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSI Regular December Payment | December 1, 2025 | Normal monthly disbursement |
| Social Security (Pre-1997 or Dual) | December 3, 2025 | Wednesday payment |
| Birthdays 1st–10th | December 10, 2025 | Wednesday payment |
| Birthdays 11th–20th | December 17, 2025 | Wednesday payment |
| Birthdays 21st–31st | December 24, 2025 | Christmas Eve payment (posted early) |
| SSI January 2026 Payment (Advance) | December 31, 2025 | Early payment due to Jan 1 holiday |
FAQs
Q1: Why are SSI payments two in December?
The January payment is released early on December 31 to fit in the January 1 federal holiday.
Q2: Does January 2026 pay?
No, the SSI recipients will not receive payment in January 2026 because it is advanced to December 31, 2025.
Q3: What will be the case when my payment is late?
Contact Social Security as soon as possible when your payment is late on the day after three or more days of business.
