A unique calendar alignment means that certain Social Security beneficiaries in the United States may receive three separate payments in December 2025. This rare situation occurs when the payment cycle overlaps with federal holidays, resulting in an early release of the January 2026 Social Security payment.
This unexpected timing shift offers many retirees and individuals with disabilities a temporary financial boost just before the new year, although it is not an extra benefit—just an adjusted payment date.
Who Will Get Three Social Security Checks in December 2025?
Beneficiaries Paid on Wednesday Schedules
The following groups could receive three Social Security payments due to December having five Wednesdays:
1. People With Birthdays Between the 1st and 10th
These recipients typically receive their monthly Social Security payment on the second Wednesday, which falls on December 10, 2025.
2. People With Birthdays Between the 11th and 20th
This group normally gets paid on the third Wednesday, which occurs on December 17, 2025.
3. People With Birthdays After the 20th
These beneficiaries receive benefits on the fourth Wednesday, scheduled for December 24, 2025.
Recipients Who Also Receive SSI
People who qualify for both Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may see multiple deposits:
- Regular SSI payment: December 1
- Early January SSI/SS payment: December 31 (paid early due to the New Year’s Day holiday)
This combination may result in three payments appearing in December.
Why an Extra Social Security Payment Happens
Calendar Structure Creates an Early Payment
In December 2025, the month contains five Wednesdays:
December 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.
Since Social Security payments are issued on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays, the fifth Wednesday—December 31—triggers an early release of the January 2026 payment. Because federal offices close on New Year’s Day, the January payment is issued early.
Important Note
The December 31 payment is not an added bonus.
It is simply the January 2026 Social Security payment delivered early.
Full December 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
| Payment Type | Date |
|---|---|
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | December 1 |
| Social Security (birthdays 1–10) | December 10 |
| Social Security (birthdays 11–20) | December 17 |
| Social Security (birthdays 21–31) | December 24 |
| Early January Social Security Payment | December 31 |
Important Things Beneficiaries Should Know
COLA Increase Applies to the January Payment
The January 2026 Social Security check, delivered early on December 31, includes the 2.8% COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) increase.
Dual Beneficiaries See More Deposits
People receiving both SSI and Social Security payments may see two separate deposits—one on December 1 and another on December 31.
This Scenario Happens Occasionally
This three-payment month is not common but occurs when the calendar places federal holidays at the start of a month. The Social Security Administration adjusts payment dates accordingly.
Many Americans are searching for ways to manage rising expenses, and the new Social Security proposal promises meaningful relief. The plan, highlighted in $200 Monthly Increase Under New Social Security Plan — Find Out If You’re Eligible, aims to boost monthly checks for retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors who rely on these benefits the most. This increase is designed to ease financial pressure caused by inflation, higher medical bills, and everyday costs, while helping millions determine whether they qualify for the added monthly support.
Conclusion
The three Social Security payments in December 2025 result from a combination of holiday scheduling, calendar structure, and federal payment regulations. While it may feel like a bonus, the extra deposit is simply the early arrival of the January 2026 payment. Beneficiaries should review their schedules carefully to plan ahead, especially those who rely on predictable monthly income. Understanding these timing changes helps recipients better manage their finances and avoid confusion during the holiday season.
FAQs
1. Is the third Social Security payment a bonus?
No. The third payment issued on December 31 is the January 2026 benefit paid early, not an additional check.
2. Why do SSI recipients get paid early in December?
Because January 1 is a federal holiday, SSI benefits scheduled for that date are paid on the preceding business day—December 31.
3. How often do three-check months happen?
They occur occasionally when the calendar creates five Wednesdays or when holidays shift benefit dates forward.