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Social Security recipients will receive their final regularly scheduled payment for December before the new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect in the upcoming year.
As the next December payment date approaches, beneficiaries can expect their last check at the current rate before the increase is applied.
How December Social Security Payments Are Scheduled
The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes monthly benefits based on a standardized schedule, with most payments issued on Wednesdays. The exact Wednesday depends on the beneficiary’s birth date.
Payment Schedule Based on Birthdays
- Born between the 1st and 10th: Payments arrive on the second Wednesday of the month.
- Born between the 11th and 20th: Payments are sent on the third Wednesday of the month.
- Born between the 21st and 31st: Payments are issued on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
This December payment will be the last one before the COLA increase, with beneficiaries seeing 2.8% higher payments beginning in the new year.
Who Is Eligible for December Social Security Payments?
Social Security benefits support millions of Americans, including retirees, people with disabilities, and surviving family members. Eligibility remains consistent for December payments.
Eligible Groups Include
- Retirees
- Individuals with Disabilities (SSD beneficiaries)
- Surviving family members, such as:
- Widows and widowers
- Single or dependent children
- Dependent parents
If you belong to any of these categories and already receive Social Security benefits, your December payment will follow the usual schedule.
December’s Social Security payments mark the final month before the upcoming 2.8% COLA increase boosts monthly checks in the new year.
Beneficiaries should continue to follow the SSA’s birth-date-based payment calendar to know exactly when to expect their funds.
Whether you are retired, disabled, or receiving survivor benefits, December payouts will be issued on their regular Wednesday schedule.
FAQs
When will the last December Social Security payment arrive?
The date depends on your birthday. Payments are issued on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of December based on SSA guidelines.
Will the December payment include the 2.8% COLA increase?
No. The COLA increase begins with the first payment of the new year, not the December check.
Who qualifies for Social Security payments in December?
Retirees, people with disabilities, spouses, widows, widowers, dependent children, and dependent parents receiving survivor benefits.