Patrick
Millions of Americans who depend on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will experience an unusual financial schedule in December 2025—one that includes two deposits in the same month, with the second payment containing the new COLA increase for 2026.
While this rare payment structure offers a short-term financial cushion at the end of the year, it also demands careful planning, as January will have no SSI deposit at all. Below is a complete, easy-to-understand guide to help beneficiaries prepare.
Why December 2025 Includes Two SSI Payments
How the Federal Holiday Schedule Affects SSI
SSI benefits are always paid on the first day of each month. However, when that date lands on a weekend or federal holiday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) moves the payment to the closest previous business day.
In 2026, January 1 falls on a Thursday and is a federal holiday, so the SSA will issue the January payment one day early, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
December 2025 SSI Payment Schedule
| SSI Payment | Deposit Date |
|---|---|
| Regular December Payment | Monday, December 1, 2025 |
| January 2026 Payment (Paid Early) | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 |
This means SSI recipients will receive two payments in December—but none in January.
2026 COLA Increase: What Your New SSI Benefit Will Be
The second December payment will carry the new 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). For 2026, COLA has been set at 2.8%, offering a modest increase to help beneficiaries manage rising living costs.
New 2026 SSI Payment Amounts
| Beneficiary Category | 2026 Maximum Payment |
|---|---|
| Individual Recipient | $994 per month |
| Eligible Couple | $1,491 per month |
| Essential Person | $498 per month |
These increases are based on changes in the CPI-W (Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers)—a standard measure of inflation.
Why the Second Payment Isn’t Extra: Budget Carefully for January
It’s important to remember that the December 31 deposit is not a bonus. It is January’s payment delivered early, and after this deposit, the next SSI payment won’t arrive until February 2026.
This gap means beneficiaries must:
- Budget January expenses ahead of time
- Avoid using the December 31 deposit for holiday spending
- Treat the payment as strictly “January income”
Advocates emphasize that improper planning could lead to financial hardship, especially for individuals who rely on SSI to afford housing, food, medicine, and transportation.
Medicare Part B Premium Increase: Reducing Your Net COLA Gain
Another major change for 2026 is the adjusted Medicare Part B premium, which will increase to $202.90 per month—a $17.90 rise from 2025.
Because most Medicare beneficiaries have their premium deducted automatically from their social security checks, their actual increase will be smaller than the official COLA rate.
In some cases, the net gain may be only a few dollars.
SSI beneficiaries will begin receiving official notifications regarding their new benefit amounts throughout December. Those with a my Social Security account on ssa.gov can view their updated payment information immediately in the Message Center.
Other Important SSA Changes for 2026
Along with COLA and Medicare adjustments, the SSA has updated additional financial thresholds:
- The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) earnings limit for individuals below full retirement age will rise to $24,480 per year.
- This allows beneficiaries who work to earn slightly more without facing benefit reductions.
These updates provide more flexibility but also require careful reporting to avoid compliance issues.
The double SSI payment in December 2025 offers short-term relief, but it also creates a longer-than-usual waiting period until the next deposit arrives. Beneficiaries must plan ahead, especially since the early January payment coincides with rising Medicare premiums that may reduce the net impact of the COLA increase.
Understanding the payment schedule, the new SSI amounts, and the related Medicare adjustments can help individuals prepare financially and avoid difficulties once January begins. Treating the second December deposit as January income is the most critical step toward maintaining stability as the new year approaches.
FAQs
Why are SSI recipients getting two payments in December 2025?
Because January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday, the SSA issues the January payment early—on December 31, 2025.
Will I get an SSI payment in January 2026?
No. The payment normally scheduled for January 1 will already arrive on December 31, meaning no payment will be deposited in January.
How much will SSI increase in 2026?
The COLA increase is 2.8%, raising the maximum SSI payment to $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples.