Patrick
Millions of Americans who depend on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will face an unusual financial scenario in December 2025: two SSI payments arriving in the same month, with one of them reflecting the new 2026 COLA increase.
While this early payment may seem like a welcome relief amid rising prices, it also requires thoughtful budgeting. Without careful planning, many beneficiaries could find themselves struggling through a long January with no additional income arriving until February.
This guide explains exactly why these two payments occur, how much you will receive, and what financial adjustments to prepare for.
Why SSI Recipients Will Receive Two Payments in December 2025
Holiday Payment Rule: Why January’s SSI Arrives Early
SSI benefits are scheduled to be distributed on the first day of every month. But when that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues payments on the previous business day.
Since January 1, 2026 — the date of the January SSI payment — is a federal holiday, the SSA will send the January benefit one day early, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
This creates the following payment timeline:
- December 1, 2025 — Regular monthly SSI payment
- December 31, 2025 — January 2026 SSI payment (paid early because of the holiday)
Although two payments arrive in December, this does not mean you receive extra benefits. The second payment simply replaces the January 1 check.
Your First 2026 COLA-Increased SSI Payment Comes Early
2026 COLA Increase Raises Monthly SSI Checks
The December 31 payment is important because it includes the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), set at 2.8%. This increase is calculated from the CPI-W inflation index, ensuring SSI benefits keep pace with rising consumer prices.
New Maximum SSI Payment Amounts for 2026
| Category | 2026 Monthly Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| Individual | $994 |
| Eligible Couple | $1,491 |
| Essential Person | $498 |
These updated amounts will first appear in the early payment issued on December 31, 2025.
Why Beneficiaries Must Budget Carefully for January
Your December 31 Payment Is NOT a Bonus
Despite receiving two payments in December, recipients must remember:
- The December 31 deposit is January’s money.
- There will be no SSI payment at all in January 2026.
- The next deposit after December 31 will not arrive until February 1, 2026.
Advocacy groups warn that beneficiaries should mentally label the second December payment as “January Income Only.” Spending it early — especially during the holiday season — can lead to serious financial shortages in January.
Essential expenses like:
- Rent
- Utilities
- Medication
- Groceries
must be planned with the understanding that January’s payment comes one month early.
Medicare Part B Premium Increase Will Reduce the Net Gain
The SSA has also confirmed that Medicare Part B premiums will rise in 2026.
- 2026 Part B Premium: $202.90 per month
- Increase from 2025: +$17.90
For many SSI recipients who also receive Medicare, this premium is deducted automatically. As a result, the amount of money you “take home” from the COLA increase may be dramatically smaller than the 2.8% headline figure.
In some cases, the increase in medical premiums could nearly cancel out the extra benefit amount — leaving beneficiaries with only a few dollars more each month.
How Beneficiaries Will Be Notified
The SSA is sending official COLA notices via mail throughout December.
Recipients can also view updated benefit amounts instantly by logging into their my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
Additional 2026 Program Adjustments That Affect SSI Beneficiaries
Beyond the COLA and Medicare changes, the SSA has announced new thresholds for 2026:
Higher Earned Income Limit for Working Beneficiaries
The Substantial Earnings Test will rise to:
- $24,480 per year for individuals under full retirement age
This allows beneficiaries with limited work to earn slightly more income without risking benefit reduction.
The double SSI payments arriving in December 2025 may offer short-term relief as inflation continues to squeeze budgets. However, it is crucial to understand that the second payment is not extra money, but simply January’s deposit arriving early.
The new COLA increase will boost benefits slightly, but higher Medicare premiums may reduce the net amount most recipients receive.
With careful planning — and awareness of the new 2026 rules — beneficiaries can better prepare for the financial challenges of the new year.