Hailey
December 2025 brings an unusual payment schedule for millions of Americans who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Because of calendar shifts and federal holiday rules, some beneficiaries will actually see three different payments hit their accounts in December — but this is not extra money. It is a scheduling adjustment required by law.
At the same time, the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) officially begins, bringing a 2.8% increase to Social Security and SSI benefits starting with payments payable for January 2026.
This article explains who gets three payments, the complete December 2025 schedule, and how the 2026 COLA affects your benefits.
December 2025 Social Security & SSI Payment Schedule
The federal payment system follows very strict rules that determine when each check goes out. Here is the exact schedule for December 2025:
Standard Social Security Rules
- SSI is paid on the 1st of each month unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday.
- People who started receiving Social Security before May 1997 or who receive both Social Security & SSI often get Social Security on the 3rd of the month.
- All other Social Security recipients follow the birthdate-based Wednesday schedule:
- Birthdays 1st–10th
- Birthdays 11th–20th
- Birthdays 21st–31st
December 2025 Payment
| Payment Type | Who Receives It | Date Paid (Dec 2025) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI (December 2025) | All SSI recipients | December 1, 2025 | Paid at 2025 rate |
| Social Security – 3rd of Month Group | Filed before May 1997 / dual SSI+SS recipients | December 3, 2025 | Normal Social Security payment |
| Social Security (DOB 1–10) | Birthdays 1st–10th | December 10, 2025 | Second Wednesday |
| Social Security (DOB 11–20) | Birthdays 11th–20th | December 17, 2025 | Third Wednesday |
| Social Security (DOB 21–31) | Birthdays 21st–31st | December 24, 2025 | Fourth Wednesday |
| January 2026 SSI (NEW COLA rate) | All SSI recipients | December 31, 2025 | Paid early due to Jan 1 holiday |
Who Gets Three Checks in December 2025?
Only a specific group receives three payments in December:
You must meet all three conditions:
- You receive SSI
- You also receive Social Security
- Your Social Security is paid on the third Wednesday of the month
If you qualify, you will see this pattern:
- December 1, 2025: December SSI payment (2025 benefit rate)
- December 17, 2025: December Social Security payment
- December 31, 2025: January 2026 SSI payment (new 2026 COLA rate)
Important Note
The payment on December 31 is NOT a bonus. It is your January 2026 SSI payment paid early because banks are closed on January 1.
You will not receive an SSI payment in January 2026.
2026 COLA Increase: What the 2.8% Boost Means for You
The 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment is 2.8%, and it affects both Social Security and SSI.
Here is how much benefits rise:
Social Security Benefits (2026)
- Average retired worker benefit:
- 2025: around $2,015/month
- 2026: around $2,071/month after COLA
- Maximum Social Security benefit at full retirement age:
- 2025: $4,018/month
- 2026: $4,152/month
SSI Federal Payment Standard (2026)
- Single adult: rises from $967 to $994
- Eligible couple: rises from $1,450 to $1,491
When You Receive the First COLA Payment
- SSI recipients see the new COLA amount on December 31, 2025
- Social Security recipients see the increase in their January 2026 payments, which arrive:
- January 14, 2026
- January 21, 2026
- January 28, 2026
- Or January 2, 2026 (for 3rd-of-month group)
How to Budget for a “Three-Payment Month”
Because the December 31 payment is January’s money, beneficiaries should:
- Avoid using it for December spending
- Adjust monthly budgets so rent and bills due in early January are covered
- Expect no SSI payment in the month of January 2026
- Account for higher Medicare Part B premiums, which may slightly reduce the COLA benefit
December 2025 is a rare “triple payment” month for some Social Security and SSI recipients due to the early release of the January 2026 SSI payment.
Understanding whether you qualify for three checks — and recognizing that the December 31 payment belongs to January — helps you plan your budget more accurately.
With the 2026 COLA of 2.8%, both Social Security and SSI recipients will see a modest increase that begins with payments issued for January 2026.
FAQs
Why am I getting three payments in December 2025?
You get three payments only if you receive both SSI and Social Security, and your Social Security payment is scheduled for the third Wednesday of the month. The third payment is January 2026 SSI paid early.
Is the December 31 payment extra money?
No. The December 31 payment is your January 2026 SSI. It is shifted earlier because January 1 is a federal holiday.
When will I see the 2026 COLA increase?
SSI beneficiaries will see the new amount on December 31, 2025, and Social Security beneficiaries will see the higher payment in January 2026 based on their normal Wednesday or 3rd-of-month schedule.