As 2025 draws to a close, millions of Social Security recipients are eagerly watching for their final payment of the year—and possibly the last increase before the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) takes effect. December is always a significant month because it includes Regular Social Security payments, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and special early deposits caused by the holiday calendar.
In 2025, this timing is even more important, because beneficiaries want to know who receives a payment in December, who gets a boosted amount, and which groups must wait until January 2026 for the next increase.
This guide breaks down every detail—payment dates, eligibility, expected boost, and what the last month of 2025 means for retirees, disabled workers, survivors, and SSI recipients.
Why December 2025 Payments Matter So Much
While most months follow a predictable schedule, December is different:
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It often includes two payments for some SSI recipients.
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The month marks the final check before the new COLA increase arrives in January.
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Holiday schedules sometimes shift deposit dates earlier.
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For those living on fixed incomes, knowing the exact payment arrival date helps plan rent, bills, and medical costs.
This year is no exception—some groups will receive early payments, and others will enjoy a final boosted 2025 check before 2026 raises kick in.
Will December 2025 Payments Include a Boost?
The answer is yes—depending on which program you receive.
Social Security Retirement, SSDI, and Survivors Benefits
Your December 2025 payment includes the full 2025 COLA, which was added at the start of the year.
This is not the new 2026 COLA.
The next boost arrives January 2026.
SSI Recipients
SSI beneficiaries will also receive their last 2025 payment in December—plus an early January 2026 payment, which carries the new COLA increase for 2026.
So, SSI recipients are the first group to receive the 2026 increase, though it is paid on December 31, 2025.
Social Security December 2025 Payment Schedule (Complete Breakdown)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a structured payment schedule for Retirement, SSDI, and Survivor benefits based on birth dates. Here is the full calendar for December 2025:
💰 December 3, 2025 – Payments for Early Retirees & Long-Term Beneficiaries
You are paid on December 3 if:
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You started receiving Social Security before May 1997, or
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You receive both SSI and Social Security.
This group always gets paid on the 3rd of every month.
💰 December 10, 2025 – Birthdays on the 1st–10th
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th, your Social Security or SSDI payment arrives on the second Wednesday, which is December 10.
💰 December 17, 2025 – Birthdays on the 11th–20th
Beneficiaries with birthdays in the middle third of the month (11th–20th) are paid on December 17, the third Wednesday.
💰 December 24, 2025 – Birthdays on the 21st–31st
Those with birthdays in the 21st through 31st receive payment on December 24, 2025, which is the fourth Wednesday.
This payment arrives just one day before Christmas, making it especially meaningful for families, retirees, and disabled workers planning holiday expenses.
SSI Payments in December 2025: Two Checks for Some Recipients
SSI uses a different schedule from standard Social Security.
Here’s what SSI recipients can expect in December 2025:
💰 December 1, 2025 – Regular SSI Payment
This is the final 2025 SSI payment.
💰 December 31, 2025 – Early SSI Payment for January 2026 (Includes New COLA!)
Because January 1 is a holiday, the January 2026 SSI payment is sent early on December 31.
This will be the first payment to include the 2026 COLA increase, meaning SSI recipients get next year’s boost one day early.
Who Gets the “Final Boost” Before 2026?
There are two interpretations of “final boost” depending on what type of benefit you receive:
1. Social Security Retirement, SSDI & Survivors:
Your December payment includes the last month of 2025’s COLA increase.
You will not receive the 2026 COLA increase until January.
So your final boosted payment before the 2026 adjustment is the December 2025 check.
2. SSI Recipients:
You receive:
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December 1 – regular SSI
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December 31 – January 2026 SSI payment with new COLA (boost)
So SSI beneficiaries are the first to receive the 2026 increase, getting it in December itself.
How Much Will the 2026 COLA Increase Be?
The official 2026 COLA has not yet been finalized, but early estimates from economists suggest it may fall in the range of 2.3% to 2.8%.
This means:
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Retirement benefits could rise by $40–$55 per month on average
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SSI federal maximum rates will also increase
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SSDI and survivor benefits will adjust accordingly
Once the SSA officially confirms the 2026 COLA, updated amounts will be released.
Who Should Expect Two Payments in December 2025?
You get two payments if you receive SSI only or SSI plus Social Security.
You will receive:
✔ December 1 – Final 2025 SSI payment
✔ December 31 – January 2026 SSI payment (with new COLA)
If you receive:
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Social Security only → one payment
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SSDI only → one payment
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Survivor benefits only → one payment
Tips to Avoid Delays in December Payments
Because December includes holidays, bank closures, and high transaction volume, delays can occur.
Follow these steps to ensure your deposits arrive smoothly:
✔ Set up direct deposit (fastest option)
Checks can be delayed by weather, holidays, or postal slowdowns.
✔ Monitor your “My Social Security” account
Payment status and notifications show if your deposit is processing.
✔ Confirm any recent changes
Changes in:
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Address
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Bank account
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Representative payee
…can cause payment delays.
✔ Contact SSA if you do not receive payment after 3 business days
SSA phone: 1-800-772-1213
What December 2025 Means for Beneficiaries Going Into 2026
December is a financially important month for millions of Americans living on benefits.
Here’s what the month represents:
⭐ Final 2025 COLA benefit check for retirees and SSDI recipients
The next increase comes in January 2026.
⭐ First 2026 COLA boost for SSI recipients
Paid on December 31.
⭐ A chance to plan budgets for rising expenses in 2026
Especially as inflation, medical costs, and housing costs continue to rise.
Meta Title
Social Security December 2025 Payments: Who Receives the Final Boost Before 2026?
Meta Description
Get the full Social Security December 2025 payment schedule, SSI early deposits, and who gets the final boost before 2026. Learn payment dates, eligibility, and COLA details.
FAQs: Social Security December 2025 Payments
1. Who receives Social Security payments on December 3, 2025?
Those who began benefits before May 1997 and anyone receiving SSI plus Social Security get paid on December 3.
2. Will December 2025 payments include the 2026 COLA?
No. Social Security retirement, SSDI, and survivors receive the 2025 COLA. The 2026 COLA starts in January 2026.
However, SSI recipients get the January 2026 payment early on December 31, which includes the 2026 COLA.
3. Do SSI recipients get two payments in December 2025?
Yes. One on December 1 and another on December 31 (for January 2026).
4. What are the December payment dates for Social Security?
Payments are on December 3, 10, 17, and 24, depending on your birthday or benefit type.
5. How can I find out if my Social Security payment is delayed?
Check your My Social Security account or call SSA if it is more than 3 business days late.
