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SSI & SSDI December 2025 Holiday Payment Changes – Full List & Eligibility

December 2, 2025 - By littlemakerskpl

As 2025 nears its end, millions of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients are preparing for their final payments of the year. December is never a standard payment month—holidays, weekends, and federal closures all affect the normal Social Security Administration (SSA) schedule.

In December 2025, several important payment adjustments will take place, including early deposits, double payments for SSI, and special eligibility rules. With the holiday season adding financial pressure, it’s crucial for beneficiaries to know exactly when payments arrive, who qualifies, and what changes to expect before entering 2026.

This guide breaks down the complete December 2025 SSI and SSDI payment schedule, holiday adjustments, and eligibility for each type of payment—written in clear, simple language for maximum understanding.

Why December 2025 Payments Are Different

December is one of the busiest months for Social Security payments because:

It includes early deposits due to Christmas and New Year’s
SSI recipients may get two payments
SSDI deposits shift based on birth dates and bank operations
The month holds the last 2025 payment before the 2026 COLA increases
Banks operate on limited hours during the holidays

This creates a unique calendar—especially for beneficiaries relying on time-sensitive income.

December 2025 SSI Payment Schedule

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) follows a simple rule:

Payments usually arrive on the 1st of each month
When the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, payment arrives early

In December 2025, here’s what SSI recipients can expect:

✔ December 1, 2025 – Regular SSI Payment

This is the final 2025 SSI payment.
It is paid on schedule because December 1, 2025, is a Monday.

✔ December 31, 2025 – January 2026 SSI Payment (Early Payment)

Since January 1 is a federal holiday, the January 2026 SSI payment will be deposited one day early, on:

→ Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Why this payment is important

The deposit on December 31 includes the 2026 COLA increase, meaning SSI recipients are the first Americans to receive the 2026 Social Security raise, even before the new year begins.

Do SSI Recipients Get Two Payments in December 2025?

Yes.
SSI beneficiaries receive:

December 1, 2025 – final monthly payment of the year
December 31, 2025 – January 2026 payment with the COLA boost

However, this does not mean SSI recipients are getting extra money—this early deposit simply replaces January’s first payment.

December 2025 SSDI Payment Schedule

SSDI benefits follow the regular Social Security Wednesday schedule, based on the beneficiary’s birth date.

Here is the full SSDI December 2025 schedule:

✔ December 3, 2025 – Early SSDI Group

You are paid on December 3 if:

You began receiving SSDI before May 1997, or
You receive both SSDI and SSI

This group always receives payment on the 3rd.

✔ December 10, 2025 – Birthdays 1st–10th

If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th, your SSDI deposit arrives on:

→ Wednesday, December 10, 2025

✔ December 17, 2025 – Birthdays 11th–20th

If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th, your SSDI payment comes on:

→ Wednesday, December 17, 2025

✔ December 24, 2025 – Birthdays 21st–31st

Beneficiaries with birthdays in the last third of the month (21st–31st) will receive payments on:

→ Wednesday, December 24, 2025

This is the Christmas week payment, so banks may process deposits faster or slightly delayed depending on your financial institution.

Will SSDI Receive Two Payments in December 2025?

No.
Only SSI recipients receive two payments this month.

SSDI beneficiaries receive one payment, unless they also qualify for SSI.

Holiday Impacts on December 2025 Deposit Dates

Holidays can shift SSA payment dates. Here’s how they affect December 2025:

Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25

Banks are closed.
Payments scheduled for December 24 should deposit as usual, but delays could occur with smaller institutions.

New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026

Because it is a federal holiday, the January SSI payment is moved to December 31, 2025.

SSDI payments are not affected by New Year holiday scheduling because they are already deposited on Wednesdays earlier in the month.

Who Is Eligible for SSI in December 2025?

SSI eligibility is based on:

Low income
Limited resources
Age (65+) or disability
U.S. citizenship or qualifying status

To receive the December 1 and December 31 payments, beneficiaries must:

Still meet SSI low-income guidelines
Have an active case without suspension
Maintain bank account and address information correctly
Not exceed resource limits ($2,000 individual / $3,000 couple, unless exclusions apply)

Who Is Eligible for SSDI in December 2025?

You are eligible for SSDI if:

You have a qualifying disability
You have worked long enough to earn disability credits
Your medical condition prevents substantial gainful activity
You meet SSA review requirements

SSDI eligibility does not depend on financial resources, unlike SSI.

Will December 2025 Payments Include the 2026 COLA Increase?

SSI: YES

The December 31, 2025 payment includes the 2026 COLA increase.

SSDI: NO

SSDI recipients will receive the COLA increase starting January 2026, on their normal Wednesday schedule.

What to Do if Your December 2025 Payment Is Delayed

Holiday banking traffic can cause delays.
If your payment does not arrive:

✔ Wait at least 3 business days

✔ Contact your bank

✔ Check your “My Social Security” account online

✔ Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213

Mailed checks may be delayed more than direct deposit payments.

Tips to Avoid December Payment Issues

✔ Use direct deposit

Paper checks can be slowed down by winter weather and holidays.

✔ Keep your personal info updated

Incorrect addresses or bank accounts can delay payments.

✔ Monitor upcoming holidays

Christmas and New Year’s closures affect banking operations.

✔ Avoid changing banks in December

Switching accounts in late December can cause missed deposits.

Summary: Full December 2025 SSI & SSDI Payment List

SSI Payments:

December 1, 2025
December 31, 2025 (January 2026 payment, includes COLA)

SSDI Payments:

December 3 – Early beneficiaries
December 10 – Birthdays 1–10
December 17 – Birthdays 11–20
December 24 – Birthdays 21–31

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SSI & SSDI December 2025 Holiday Payment Changes – Full Dates & Eligibility

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Get the full SSI & SSDI December 2025 holiday payment schedule, including early deposits, double SSI payments, Christmas/New Year changes, and eligibility rules.

FAQs – SSI & SSDI December 2025 Payment Changes

1. Why are there two SSI payments in December 2025?

Because the January 2026 SSI payment is deposited early on December 31, due to the New Year’s Day holiday.

2. Does SSDI receive two payments in December 2025?

No. SSDI beneficiaries receive one payment based on their birth date.

3. Is the COLA increase included in December 2025 payments?

Only the SSI payment on December 31 includes the 2026 COLA raise. SSDI COLA starts in January.

4. When will SSDI payments arrive for December 2025?

Depending on your birthday, payments arrive on December 3, 10, 17, or 24.

5. What should I do if my December payment is late?

Wait 3 business days, check your SSA account, contact your bank, then call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if needed.