Patrick
The Social Security payment schedule for December 2025 is well underway, and thousands of Americans are preparing to receive their next benefit on Wednesday, December 17.
This guide breaks down who qualifies for this week’s deposit, how the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines payment dates, and what beneficiaries can expect based on their eligibility.
Who Will Receive a Social Security Payment on December 17, 2025?
The SSA distributes monthly benefits according to a person’s date of birth, which determines their place within the payment cycle.
For December 2025, December 17 marks the third payment group of the month—reserved for beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of any month.
This payment date applies to individuals receiving:
- Retirement benefits
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Survivor benefits
The SSA reports that the average monthly retirement benefit is $2,013.32, although payments vary depending on a person’s work history and lifetime contributions.
December 2025 Social Security Payment Calendar: Full Schedule
If you want to verify when your money will arrive, here is the birthdate-based schedule for December 2025:
- Born 1–10: Paid Wednesday, December 10
- Born 11–20: Paid Wednesday, December 17
- Born 21–31: Paid Wednesday, December 24
This structure allows the SSA to process millions of payments in an organized and timely manner.
Who Does Not Receive a Payment on December 17?
Not all Social Security recipients follow the Wednesday schedule. Some groups have special calendar rules based on when they first qualified for benefits or the type of benefit they receive.
1. Beneficiaries Before May 1997
Anyone who began collecting benefits before May 1997 does not fall under the birthdate schedule.
They always receive their payments on the 3rd of the month.
For December 2025, this group was paid on December 3.
2. SSI Recipients
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries are paid on the first day of each month—unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
Their December 2025 payment arrived on Monday, December 1.
3. Dual Benefit Recipients (SSI + Social Security)
Roughly 2.5 million Americans receive both SSI and Social Security. These beneficiaries receive two separate deposits:
- SSI: December 1
- Social Security: December 3
This prevents payments from overlapping.
How Much Do Social Security Programs Pay?
Benefit amounts vary widely depending on the specific program. Current averages for 2025 include:
- Retirement Benefits: $2,013.32 per month
- Disability (SSDI): $1,588.52 per month
- Survivor Benefits: $1,576.20 per month
- SSI Payments: $717.90 per month
In addition, the SSA has confirmed a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026.
For retirees, this means an average increase of about $56 per month, helping benefits keep pace with rising prices.
The December 17, 2025 Social Security payment is designated for beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th, ensuring millions receive financial support before the holiday season.
Understanding the SSA’s structured payment calendar is essential for budgeting, planning, and avoiding confusion—especially for those who fall into special categories like early beneficiaries, SSI recipients, or individuals receiving both SSI and Social Security.
With a COLA boost coming in 2026, many households can expect slightly higher monthly support moving forward.
FAQs
Why do some people receive their Social Security payment earlier than others?
Payment dates are assigned based on birthdays, unless the beneficiary started receiving payments before May 1997 or receives SSI.
Will everyone receive a higher payment in 2026?
Yes. Due to the 2.8% COLA increase, all Social Security beneficiaries will see a monthly boost beginning in January 2026.
Does December 17 include SSI payments?
No. SSI is paid separately on December 1. December 17 is only for Social Security beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th.