Millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits can expect their December payments to arrive as scheduled, though some might notice slight variations in delivery dates. The US Social Security Administration has confirmed that all beneficiaries will receive their payments without interruption during the holiday season.
December Payment Schedule for SSI and Retirement Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their payments on the first of December as usual. However, an additional payment will be distributed on December 31, according to the standard schedule. The Social Security Administration advises beneficiaries that if payments don't arrive on the expected date, they should allow three additional mailing days before contacting officials.
For regular Social Security retirement benefits, the December payment schedule follows the birth date pattern:
Wednesday, December 10: For beneficiaries with birth dates falling between the 1st and 10th of any month.
Wednesday, December 17: For those with birth dates between the 11th and 20th of the month.
Wednesday, December 24: For beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
Significant Benefit Increase Coming in January 2025
Starting January 2025, nearly 71 million Social Security recipients will see their payments increase by 2.8% due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment. This increase translates to an average of $56 more monthly for beneficiaries.
The estimated average monthly Social Security benefits for 2025 include:
$1,976 for all retired workers
$3,089 for retired workers with only an aged spouse
$1,580 for workers with a disability
$2,826 for workers with a disability having a young spouse and one or more children
$1,832 for aged surviving spouses without a child
$3,761 for young surviving spouses with two children
Understanding SSI Eligibility and Payment Rates
The Supplemental Security Income program provides monthly payments to people aged 65 or older, blind individuals, or those with qualifying disabilities who have limited income and resources. The program has specific eligibility criteria regarding countable resources.
While your house and car usually don't count as resources, SSI does consider cash, bank accounts, stocks, and bonds when determining eligibility. The 2025 maximum monthly federal SSI payment rates are set at $967 for a single person and $1,450 for a couple. Some states provide additional money to the basic SSI benefit.
This upcoming benefit increase represents the government's response to rising living costs and aims to help millions of Americans maintain their financial stability in the coming year.
