Millions of Americans who are 70 years old will receive their Social Security payment in December 2025, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) has officially released the complete schedule. Your exact payment date depends entirely on your birthdate, making December a critical month since it includes multiple disbursements, including early SSI payments.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the December 2025 Social Security payment schedule, along with the average benefit amount for 70-year-old retirees.
December 10: First Social Security Payment for 70-Year-Old Retirees
Retirees who are 70 years old and were born between the 1st and the 10th will receive their Social Security benefits on December 10, 2025, which falls on the second Wednesday of the month.
Eligibility for the December 10 Payment
To receive the payment on December 10, retirees must:
- Be born between the 1st and the 10th
- Have received their first Social Security benefit after April 30, 1997
- Not be recipients of SSI, since SSI follows a separate payment timetable
This group includes a large number of older Americans, and age-70 beneficiaries remain among the strongest and most consistent recipients across the Social Security program.
Average Social Security Payment for 70-Year-Olds Hits $2,148
The SSA reports that retirees who wait until age 70 to file generally receive the highest average monthly benefit of any age group — approximately $2,148 per month.
Payment Breakdown by Gender
The average monthly payment differs between men and women:
- Men aged 70: around $2,389.95
- Women aged 70: about $1,909.42
This gap of more than $250 above the overall average highlights how delaying benefits — especially until age 70 — can boost payments by up to 24% compared to claiming at age 67.
December 17: Second Social Security Payment for 70-Year-Olds
The next scheduled payment for retirees turning or already aged 70 comes on December 17, 2025, which is the third Wednesday of the month.
Those who qualify must have been born between the 11th and the 20th.
This payment arrives right before the holiday season, and retirees are urged to check their direct deposit accounts early to avoid delays or overspending during Christmas.
December 24: Final December 2025 Payment for 70-Year-Old Retirees
The last group of retirees — those born from the 21st to the 31st — will get their Social Security payment on December 24, 2025.
Since this payment lands just before Christmas Eve, it plays an essential role in holiday planning, budgeting, and year-end expenses.
This is the third and final Wednesday payment of the month.
SSI Payments in December 2025: Two Deposits Confirmed
SSI payments follow a separate schedule from Social Security retirement benefits.
In December 2025, SSI recipients will receive:
- December 1: Regular monthly SSI payment
- December 31: January 2026 SSI payment sent early
This advance payment happens because January 1 is a federal holiday, and the SSA issues the next month’s benefit one day earlier.
Who Receives Payment on December 3, 2025?
Not every retiree follows the Wednesday payment cycle. The SSA sends benefits on December 3, 2025 to:
- Retirees who began receiving Social Security before May 1997
- Individuals who receive both SSI and Social Security
This group is always paid on the first non-holiday Wednesday of the month.
Direct Deposit Strongly Recommended as Paper Checks Decline
The SSA is moving away from paper checks and urging retirees to switch to electronic payments, such as:
- Direct deposit
- Direct Express® debit card
Electronic payment ensures faster delivery, increased security, and prevents issues like lost, delayed, or stolen checks, especially during the busy holiday mailing period in December.
Age 70 Filing Decision: When Should I Claim Social Security?
Workers nearing retirement can access their personalized SSA Statement through my Social Security.
This tool provides estimated benefit amounts at age 62, age 67, and age 70, helping older Americans choose the best time to file based on income history and financial goals.
Summary: December 2025 Social Security Payment Dates for 70-Year-Olds
- December 3: Retirees who filed before May 1997 or receive SSI + Social Security
- December 10: Born 1st–10th
- December 17: Born 11th–20th
- December 24: Born 21st–31st
- December 1: Regular SSI payment
- December 31: January 2026 SSI payment issued early
Retirees across the country are learning that The New $56 COLA Raise Has Officials Worried — Here’s the Major Mistake Retirees Need to Watch For, and the concern is growing quickly. While the higher benefit sounds like a win, experts warn that many seniors might overlook how the increase could unintentionally affect taxes, Medicare premiums, or overall budgeting. This title highlights the core issue: the raise may look helpful, but without careful planning, retirees could face financial surprises they never expected.
Conclusion
The December 2025 Social Security payment schedule is crucial for retirees who are 70 years old, especially because the month is filled with multiple payments and early SSI deposits. Understanding your birthdate-based payment date, knowing the average benefit amount, and choosing direct deposit can help retirees manage their finances more efficiently during the holiday season. With clear payment dates on December 3, 10, 17, and 24, seniors can plan better, avoid delays, and maintain financial stability at the end of the year.
FAQs
1. How much does a 70-year-old receive in Social Security in December 2025?
Most retirees aged 70 receive an average of $2,148 per month, with men averaging $2,389.95 and women averaging $1,909.42.
2. Why do some retirees get their Social Security payment on December 3?
Those who filed before May 1997 or receive both SSI and Social Security are paid on the first non-holiday Wednesday, which is December 3.
3. Why are there two SSI payments in December 2025?
Because January 1 is a federal holiday, the SSA sends the January 2026 SSI payment early, on December 31.