The first wave of December Social Security payments is scheduled to go out this week, marking the final round of 2025 benefits before a higher cost-of-living adjustment takes effect in January.
Beginning next month, beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% COLA increase, raising the average monthly benefit by roughly $56, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The end of the year also continues the agency’s transition away from paper checks, with most beneficiaries now receiving payments via direct deposit or a Direct Express card.
Here’s what to expect this week — and how payment dates line up for the remainder of 2025 and early 2026.
Who Gets Their Social Security Payment This Week?
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, your December benefit will arrive on:
📅 Wednesday, December 10, 2025
This applies to millions of retirees receiving monthly Social Security benefits.
How Social Security Payment Dates Work
Social Security generally sends monthly payments on Wednesdays, with your birthdate determining the week you’re paid:
- 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday
- 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday
- 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
Special Cases
Some beneficiaries follow different rules:
- Recipients who began receiving Social Security before May 1997:
Paid on the 3rd of each month, unless it falls on a weekend/holiday. - Those receiving both Social Security and SSI:
- Social Security → Paid on the 3rd
- SSI → Paid on the 1st
Full 2025 Social Security Payment Calendar
A complete schedule will be released soon, but December follows the standard Wednesday-based system tied to birthdates.
SSI Payment Schedule for Late 2025 and Early 2026
The SSI calendar includes several early payments due to weekends and holidays. According to the SSA, checks will be sent on:
- Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 — January 2026 payment, paid early
- Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 — February 2026 payment, paid early
- Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 — March 2026 payment, paid early
SSI is always paid on the 1st of the month, but when that date lands on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA issues the payment the prior business day — creating these “double-payment” months.
Why This Week Matters for Beneficiaries
This December marks the final month before the 2026 COLA raise takes effect. For retirees managing rising prices, prescriptions, and heating costs going into winter, the 2.8% bump will offer meaningful relief.
Stay informed and plan ahead. Social Security remains a lifeline for over 71 million Americans — knowing your payment dates and any upcoming changes is key to staying financially secure.
If you’re unsure about your benefits or need personalized guidance, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.