Patrick
Social Security recipients are experiencing an unusual end-of-year situation as December benefit payments align with a rare stretch of federal office shutdowns.
While many in-person services are temporarily unavailable, electronic payments are still being issued on schedule, ensuring beneficiaries receive their funds ahead of the Christmas season and before the start of 2026.
This temporary disruption is the result of newly declared federal holidays that have altered normal administrative operations.
Why Social Security Offices Are Closed for Five Consecutive Days
An executive order has designated December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 26 as additional federal holidays. As a result, Social Security Administration offices will experience an extended shutdown period that affects customer service access.
Key Closure Details
- Office closures: Social Security offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 24 through Sunday, December 28
- Service resumption: In-person and live phone support will reopen on Monday, December 29
- Online access: The my Social Security portal will remain available for account checks and status reviews, though requests requiring staff assistance will be processed after reopening
Despite these closures, direct deposits and electronic payments remain uninterrupted.
Who Will Receive Social Security Payments on Wednesday, December 24?
According to the official Social Security payment calendar, the fourth Wednesday of the month is reserved for a specific group of beneficiaries. If you fall into the categories below, your payment should arrive on Wednesday, December 24.
Eligibility Criteria
- Birth dates: Individuals born between the 21st and 31st of any month
- Benefit type: Retirees, survivors, or disability beneficiaries
- Application timeline: Those who began receiving benefits after May 1997
Eligible recipients should see their funds deposited electronically as scheduled, even while offices remain closed.
What to Do If Your Social Security Payment Is Delayed
With multiple holidays clustered together, minor delays are possible. The Social Security Administration advises beneficiaries to wait at least three business days before reporting a missing payment.
Because of the holiday schedule, that waiting period effectively begins on Monday, December 29.
Recommended First Steps
- Log in to your my Social Security account to verify payment status
- Confirm that banking details and mailing addresses are accurate
- Avoid contacting SSA immediately unless the waiting period has passed
Most delays resolve automatically once normal operations resume.
Although Social Security offices are facing an uncommon five-day closure at the end of December, benefit payments are continuing as planned.
Eligible recipients scheduled for December 24 should still receive their funds on time, and online tools remain accessible throughout the shutdown.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to stay patient, monitor their accounts, and allow processing time once offices reopen on December 29.
FAQs
Will Social Security payments stop because offices are closed?
No. Electronic payments and direct deposits continue as scheduled, regardless of office closures.
Can I access my Social Security account during the shutdown?
Yes. The my Social Security portal remains active for balance checks and payment updates.
When should I contact Social Security about a missing payment?
If your payment does not arrive, wait three business days starting December 29 before contacting SSA.