The Social Security Administration follows a structured payment calendar each month to distribute benefits smoothly. In December 2025, one of the key payout dates is Wednesday, December 17, which falls on the third Wednesday of the month. This date applies to a specific group of beneficiaries based on birth dates and enrollment timing. Knowing where you fall on the schedule helps you plan bills, budgeting, and holiday expenses with confidence.
Who Gets Paid on December 17, 2025
The December 17 payment is part of the standard birthday-based Social Security schedule. It applies to beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997 and whose birthdays fall within a specific date range.
Below is the only bullet-point list included in the article:
- Retired workers born between the 11th and 20th of any month
- SSDI recipients with birthdays from the 11th through the 20th
- Survivor benefit recipients whose benefit record falls in the same birthdate range
- Beneficiaries paid under the standard Wednesday payment system
If your birthday is within this range, your Social Security payment is scheduled for December 17, 2025.
Groups That Do Not Follow the Wednesday Schedule
Not all Social Security recipients are paid on Wednesdays. Some beneficiaries follow different rules depending on when they started receiving benefits or which program they are enrolled in.
Beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 are typically paid on the 3rd of each month, regardless of their birthday. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients follow a separate payment calendar and do not receive SSI payments on the Wednesday schedule.
How the December Social Security Schedule Works
Social Security spreads payments across the month to manage processing efficiently. Birthdays determine which Wednesday a beneficiary is paid, ensuring predictable deposit dates throughout the year.
Table: December 2025 Social Security Payment Breakdown
| Beneficiary Category | Payment Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Born 1–10 | December 10, 2025 | Second Wednesday |
| Born 11–20 | December 17, 2025 | Third Wednesday |
| Born 21–31 | December 24, 2025 | Fourth Wednesday |
| Started benefits before May 1997 | December 3, 2025 | Fixed monthly date |
| SSI recipients | December 1 and December 31 | Separate SSI schedule |
Why This Matters for Beneficiaries
Understanding your Social Security payment date helps avoid confusion, especially in December when holidays can affect personal finances. Knowing exactly when your deposit arrives allows you to manage rent, utilities, medical expenses, and seasonal spending without uncertainty.
What to Do If Your Payment Is Delayed
Most Social Security payments arrive on time through direct deposit. If a payment does not appear on the scheduled date, beneficiaries are generally advised to wait a short period before reporting a missing payment, as processing times can vary slightly between banks.
Conclusion
December 17, 2025, is the scheduled Social Security payment date for beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of any month who receive retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits under the standard schedule. Other recipients, including long-term beneficiaries and SSI recipients, follow different payment dates. Checking your category ensures you know exactly when to expect your deposit.
Disclaimer: Payment schedules may vary due to holidays, banking processing times, or individual circumstances. Always review official Social Security notices for personal payment confirmation.