As of December 1, 2025, a good number of Social Security beneficiaries will get a monthly payment of around 967 due to the average annual benefit rate of 2.8 percent increase in cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to be implemented in 2026. This payment constitutes a significant segment of the revenue of retirees, disabled workers and survivors who meet the requirements of the Social Security provisions.
Who Qualifies as a Social Security Beneficiary?
– those workers who are of retirement age (66-67 years of age, depending on the year of birth), have earned payment within the Social Security program over a minimum of 10 years.
-Employees with medical qualifications and doing enough work credits.
– Eligible workers or families (children and spouse) of deceased beneficiaries.
– Survivors benefits on spouses, former spouses and dependent children of workers who have died.
Essential Eligibility Rules to Be Aware of
– Retirement benefits may be taken as early as age 62, but full benefits need to be attained at full retirement age (FRA).
– There is a rigid medical and work history check-up in disability benefits.
– Survivor and spousal benefits are based on the eligibility and relations of the worker.
– Income ceiling on working beneficiaries- earning above the specified amounts can offset the levels of benefits before FRA.
Determination of Amount and Impact of COLA
– The monthly benefit of an average of 967 is inclusive of a 2.8 percent growth in 2026 to factor in the inflation.
– Individual benefits differ greatly depending on lifetime earning history, age at which claimed and kind of benefit.
Social Security – Social security uses a complicated formula to determine the benefits to replace a larger percentage of the pre-retirement income of the lower earners.
Timing and Method of Payments
– December 2025 payments will go out on December 1, direct deposits will be made in the morning that day or the checks will be mailed the next day in the morning.
– To avoid delays, the beneficiaries should ensure their bank account details are up to date with Social Security.
– There are minor differences in payment schedules when the beneficiaries are directly also paid Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or otherwise.
Summary Table: Social Security December 1, 2025 Payment & Eligibility Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Payment | $967 (estimated post 2.8% COLA) |
| Eligibility | Retirees, disabled, surviving family |
| Required Work Credits | Minimum 40 credits (10 years) |
| Payment Delivery | Direct deposit or mailed check |
| Early Retirement Age | 62 (with reduced benefits) |
FAQs
Q1: Who receives the 967 social security check?
This is an average payment which will get to the typical retired employees at or around full retirement age.
Q2: Am I eligible to receive Social Security when I am still working?
Yes, but the income exceeding the IRS limits may decrease the benefits up to full retirement age.
Q3: What is the calculation of amount?
On the basis of your earnings history including an inflation-adjusted formula with COLA adjustments.
