The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a structured monthly system for issuing Social Security payments. This schedule determines when retirees, spouses, survivors, and disability beneficiaries receive their funds. While most people are paid based on their date of birth, several exceptions—especially for SSI payments and long-time beneficiaries—create unique timelines for December 2025 and January 2026. Below is a detailed breakdown of the December 2025 Social Security payment schedule, holiday adjustments, and COLA 2026 updates.
Regular Social Security Payment Schedule
Payments Based on Birth Date
The SSA divides most beneficiaries into three groups based on their birth date, which determines the Wednesday on which they receive monthly benefits:
- Birthdays 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday
- Birthdays 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday
- Birthdays 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
This schedule applies to most retirees, survivors, spouses, and individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Special Schedule for Pre-1997 Beneficiaries and SSI Recipients
Pre-1997 Beneficiaries
Anyone who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 follows a different rule. These individuals always receive their funds on the 3rd day of each month, regardless of their date of birth.
Regular SSI Payment Schedule
People receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—a program designed for low-income individuals who are blind, disabled, or aged—typically receive their payments on the 1st day of every month.
However, if the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is issued on the previous business day.
December 2025 & January 2026 Payment Adjustments
SSA Payments for December 2025
For most beneficiaries receiving retirement, disability, spouse, or survivor benefits, payments will continue as normal:
- Second Wednesday
- Third Wednesday
- Fourth Wednesday
Pre-1997 beneficiaries will receive their funds on December 3, as usual.
SSI Payment Adjustments
- December 2025 SSI Payment: Sent on Monday, December 1, 2025
- January 2026 SSI Payment: Normally due January 1, but moved to Wednesday, December 31, 2025 because New Year’s Day is a federal holiday
Important Note
The payment arriving on December 31, 2025, is not an extra check. It is the January 2026 SSI payment, delivered early so recipients do not face delays.
SSI beneficiaries will not receive another SSI payment until February 1, 2026.
Who Receives Three Payments in December 2025?
Only a small group of beneficiaries may see three payments in December:
SSI beneficiaries who also receive Social Security benefits,
AND whose Social Security payment date is the third Wednesday.
These individuals will receive:
- December 1 SSI payment
- December Social Security payment (3rd Wednesday)
- December 31 payment (January 2026 SSI payment paid early)
Even though three deposits occur in one month, only two belong to December. The December 31 deposit is an advance for January.
2026 COLA Increase: What Beneficiaries Should Expect
The SSA has confirmed the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) at 2.8%.
Important Payment Details
- The January 2026 SSI payment (issued on December 31, 2025) will include the new COLA increase.
- The December 1, 2025 SSI payment will still reflect 2025 benefit levels.
- All beneficiaries should have received official COLA notices by mail detailing their updated 2026 benefit amounts.
Recipients are encouraged to compare the mailed notice with the December 31 deposit to verify accurate benefits.
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Conclusion
Understanding the Social Security December 2025 and January 2026 payment schedule is essential for retirees, SSDI beneficiaries, and SSI recipients. With holiday-related scheduling changes and the arrival of the 2026 COLA increase, recipients can better manage their finances by planning ahead. While some SSI beneficiaries may see three deposits in December, only two belong to the month—the extra deposit represents January 2026 benefits paid early. Staying aware of these rules ensures smoother budgeting and accurate expectations for upcoming Social Security payments.
FAQs
1. Why will some SSI recipients receive three payments in December 2025?
Because the January 2026 SSI payment will be issued early on December 31 due to the New Year’s holiday.
2. Will the early payment on December 31 be an extra benefit?
No. It is simply the January SSI payment delivered early. It does not increase your monthly income.
3. When will the 2026 COLA increase apply to payments?
The 2.8% COLA takes effect in January 2026, and will be included in the payment issued on December 31, 2025.