The Social Security Administration has released the official Social Security December 2025 2025 payment schedule, and several groups will receive their deposits earlier than usual due to holiday adjustments. Retirees, SSDI beneficiaries and SSI recipients must check the updated dates to avoid confusion. Here is a quick summary of the month’s payments.
Why December Payments Follow a Special Schedule
December is one of the only months each year with multiple early deposits. Federal holidays and weekends shift the payment timeline, causing SSI beneficiaries to receive one payment at the beginning of the month and one extra deposit at the end for January 2026. Regular Social Security payments continue on Wednesdays based on the standard birth-date schedule.
SSI Payment on December 1: Who Gets It
SSI deposits for December will arrive on Monday, December 1, 2025. The maximum individual benefit is up to $967, reflecting the updated 2025 rates. Eligibility is based on low income, limited resources, disability or age 65 and older.
Social Security December 2025 Payment Schedule Explained
| Benefit Type | December 2025 Payment Date | Amount | Who Receives It |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI | December 1, 2025 | Up to $967 | Low-income seniors & disabled individuals |
| Social Security (Retirement/SSDI) Week 1 | December 11, 2025 | Varies by earnings record | Birth dates 1st–10th |
| Social Security Week 2 | December 18, 2025 | Varies | Birth dates 11th–20th |
| Social Security Week 3 | December 24, 2025 | Varies | Birth dates 21st–31st |
| Early January 2026 SSI Payment | December 31, 2025 | Up to $967 | All SSI recipients |
Social Security retirement and SSDI benefits follow the Wednesday schedule. Here is how December 2025 payments are distributed:
Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th get paid on December 11.
Birthdays between the 11th and 20th get paid on December 18.
Birthdays between the 21st and 31st get paid on December 24.
These dates remain unchanged despite the holiday season.
Early SSI Payment for January 2026 Arriving on December 31
SSI beneficiaries will receive two deposits in December because the January 1 holiday pushes the January payment to December 31, 2025. This is not an extra payment but simply an early deposit. SSI recipients should plan their budgets accordingly and not assume the end-of-month payment is a bonus.
What About SSDI Beneficiaries Paid on the 3rd of Each Month
Some SSDI recipients who filed before 1997 or qualify under special rules receive their payments on the 3rd of every month. For December 2025, this deposit will arrive as usual on December 3, 2025 and is not affected by holidays.
How to Check Your Exact Payment Date
Beneficiaries can confirm their date using the mySocialSecurity account, benefit verification letters or their bank’s deposit notifications. It is recommended to check these accounts frequently during December due to multiple payments and possible holiday delays.
What to Expect for 2026 Payments After December
The January SSI payment will already be received on December 31, so the next Social Security payments will resume in mid-January 2026. Beneficiaries should not expect a deposit on January 1 because that payment has already been issued early.
Conclusion: The Social Security December 2025 payment schedule includes early SSI deposits and regular Wednesday payments for retirees and SSDI recipients. With one payment at the start of the month and another on December 31 for SSI beneficiaries, December is a crucial planning month for millions of Americans. Staying informed of the updated date ensures smooth financial budgeting through the holiday season.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the Social Security Administration’s official payment calendar. Final payment outcomes may vary depending on individual eligibility and banking schedules.
