Hailey
Millions of Americans count on their monthly Social Security payments. If you’re wondering when your December 2025 payment will arrive, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through the schedule and what it means for you.
Why This Matters
Over 70 million Americans depend on Social Security for income—whether through retirement, disability or survivor benefits.
Because so many people rely on it, the Social Security Administration (SSA) spreads out payment dates through the month. This helps make sure the funds reach people smoothly and not all at once.
How Payment Dates Are Set
Generally, when you get your payment depends on the day of your birth. But there are some special groups who follow different rules:
- If you started collecting retirement, spousal or survivor benefits before May 1997, your payment date may differ.
- If you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—which supports seniors with limited income and people who are blind or disabled—then you follow a separate schedule.
December 2025 Payment Calendar
Here’s how it breaks down for December 2025:
| Date | Who Gets Paid |
|---|---|
| Mon Dec 1 | SSI payments |
| Wed Dec 3 | Social Security payments for those who also get SSI |
| Wed Dec 10 | Payments for people born between 1st and 10th |
| Wed Dec 17 | Payments for people born between 11th and 20th |
| Wed Dec 24 | Payments for people born between 21st and 31st |
Because January 1 is a federal holiday, SSI recipients will also get their January 2026 payment a day early—on December 31, 2025.
Why Some Payments Arrive Early
When the first day of a month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA makes sure you don’t wait longer than you should. For example:
“When the first day of the month falls on the weekend or a federal holiday, you receive your SSI payment on the last business day before the first day of the month… It does not mean that you are receiving a duplicate payment.” — SSA blog post.
This rule ensures you aren’t financially disadvantaged by calendar quirks.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026
Good news: There is a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) coming. For SSI recipients, it takes effect in December 2025. For other Social Security beneficiaries, it kicks in January 2026.
This boost means an estimated $56 more per month for the average retiree receiving Social Security.
The SSA states that this adjustment is part of how Social Security “delivers on its mission” and keeps up with today’s economic realities.
What You Should Do
- Check your birth date and match it with the calendar above to estimate when your payment will arrive.
- If you get SSI, note the special dates (Dec 1 and Dec 3) plus the early Jan 2026 payment on Dec 31.
- Don’t worry if your payment arrives a bit early—this is perfectly normal under the rules.
- Plan ahead knowing the payment schedule and the upcoming COLA increase.
If you’re a Social Security beneficiary, knowing the payment date for December 2025 is important. Whether you receive SSI or standard Social Security benefits, the dates are set so you can rely on when your income support arrives.
With the 2.8% COLA boost coming up, your benefit will go up too. Use the table above to check your expected payment date and rest easy knowing the schedule is designed to help rather than hinder you.
FAQs
What if my payment doesn’t show up on the date listed?
If you don’t get your payment on the expected date, give the SSA a call or check your account—there could be a banking or processing delay.
Does my payment date change each year?
No — payment rules follow your birthdate or the special SSI schedule. Unless your category changes, your pay-day will stay similar.
Does the COLA increase apply to me?
Yes — if you receive Social Security or SSI, you’ll get the 2.8% increase. The timing depends on your benefit type (SSI in Dec 2025; others in Jan 2026).