Millions of Americans relying on Social Security benefits can expect their December payments to arrive on the usual schedule, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This month's disbursement marks the final round of checks before a planned cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect, which will increase the monthly payouts starting next year.
December 2025 Payment Schedule: Check Your Date
The Social Security Administration follows a standard calendar for issuing retirement benefits, typically on Wednesdays. Your specific payment date in December is determined by your birth date.
The schedule for December 2025 is as follows:
- If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment will be issued on Wednesday, 10 December 2025.
- For those born between the 11th and 20th, the payment date is Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
- Recipients with birthdays between the 21st and 31st will receive their benefits on Wednesday, 24 December 2025.
Bigger Checks Coming: The 2026 COLA Increase
Following the December payments, beneficiaries will see a welcome boost in their Social Security checks. A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is set to take effect in January 2026. This annual adjustment is designed to help benefits keep pace with inflation.
As per the SSA, this increase will raise the average monthly payment by approximately $56. The adjusted amounts will be reflected in the checks issued from January 2026 onwards.
January 2026 Payment Dates
The payment schedule for the first month of the new year, which includes the higher COLA-adjusted amounts, remains consistent. Benefits will be paid on the following Wednesdays:
- 14 January 2026: For birth dates from the 1st to the 10th.
- 21 January 2026: For birth dates from the 11th to the 20th.
- 28 January 2026: For birth dates from the 21st to the 31st.
Special Schedule for SSI Recipients
For beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, the payment timeline differs slightly. SSI payments are generally made on the first business day of each month.
For December 2025, that date is Monday, 1 December. However, an adjustment is needed for January 2026 because New Year's Day (1 January) is a federal holiday.
As a result, the SSI payment for January 2026 will be issued a day early, on Wednesday, 31 December 2025. This ensures recipients have access to their funds before the holiday.
Recipients are advised to monitor their bank accounts or direct express cards accordingly. The Social Security Administration's predictable payment schedule and the upcoming COLA increase provide crucial financial stability for retirees, older adults, and individuals with disabilities who depend on these benefits.
