Social Security Payments Scheduled for December 3 — Here’s Who Will Receive Them

The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues its December payment cycle, with the second round of monthly benefits set to reach eligible recipients on Wednesday, December 3.

This update outlines who qualifies for the early-month payment, how much beneficiaries typically receive, and what to expect in terms of future increases.

Who Will Receive Social Security Payments on Wednesday, Dec. 3?

1. Long-Term Beneficiaries

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Individuals who have been collecting retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or survivor benefits since before May 1997 are scheduled to receive their December payment on December 3. This group consistently receives their benefits at the beginning of the month.

2. Beneficiaries Who Also Receive SSI

Those who receive both Social Security benefits (retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are also included in this payment wave.

• Their combined payment date for Social Security benefits falls on December 3.
• SSI recipients, however, will receive their monthly SSI payment earlier—on Monday, December 1, which is the SSA’s first distribution date for the month.

How Much Do Social Security Beneficiaries Receive?

Retirement, SSDI, and Survivor Benefits

Based on the latest available SSA data:

• Retired workers receive an average of $2,008.31 per month.
• Disabled workers collect an average of $1,582.95 per month.
• Survivor beneficiaries receive around $1,575.30 monthly.

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These figures are the most recent published averages, though the monthly SSA fact sheet has not been updated since September due to the extended federal government shutdown.

What Are the Current SSI Benefit Amounts?

The SSA reports the following averages for Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

• Average monthly SSI payment (individuals): $717.87
• Maximum monthly SSI benefit (individual): $967
• Maximum monthly SSI payment (couples): $1,450

Additionally, some states provide extra supplemental payments to SSI recipients. Eligibility and amounts vary by state.

Benefit Increase in 2026: What to Expect

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The SSA announced a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for January 2026, which aims to help beneficiaries keep pace with rising inflation.

• For the average retired worker, this adjustment means an increase of about $56 per month.

Remaining Social Security Payments for December 2025

Most Social Security recipients receive their payments according to a birth-date-based Wednesday schedule:

• Born between 1st–10th: Payment on Dec. 10
• Born between 11th–20th: Payment on Dec. 17
• Born between 21st–31st: Payment on Dec. 24

The SSA provides complete 2025 and 2026 payment calendars for beneficiaries to check their exact distribution dates.

How the SSA Sends Monthly Benefits

The SSA has nearly transitioned away from paper checks. As of September 30, most beneficiaries receive payments electronically through:

1. Direct Deposit

Payments are sent straight to a recipient’s bank account. Beneficiaries can add or update their banking information through their my Social Security account.

2. Direct Express® Debit Card

This option is available for individuals without a bank account. Monthly benefits are loaded directly onto the card for easy access and spending.

The Social Security Administration’s December 3 payment cycle primarily benefits long-term recipients and individuals receiving both Social Security and SSI payments.

With clear schedules, electronic disbursement methods, and a confirmed 2.8% COLA increase for 2026, beneficiaries can better anticipate their financial support.

Understanding these schedules and benefit amounts ensures that recipients can manage monthly expenses more effectively as the year comes to an end.

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