Social Security December 2025 Payments Underway: Full Schedule and Changes

As December begins, Social Security recipients are preparing for their final 2025 payments — and the last before a new cost-of-living adjustment increases benefits in January. The Social Security Administration (SSA) says December payments will follow the normal schedule.

For millions of retirees and disability beneficiaries, December’s check is also the final payment before the 2.8% COLA increase takes effect in January 2026. According to the SSA, the average beneficiary will receive about $56 more per month beginning next year.

December 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule

Social Security retirement and disability benefits are paid based on the recipient’s date of birth. December’s schedule is as follows:

All payments are expected to arrive without delays, and direct deposits typically post by 9 a.m. local time.

January 2026 Social Security Payment Schedule

January’s checks will include the new 2.8% COLA increase.

Beneficiaries who have received payments since before May 1997 will receive their January benefit on Jan. 2, 2026, not on a Wednesday.

SSI Payment Schedule: December 2025 Through Early 2026

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits follow a different schedule because they are issued on the first business day of each month.

Because Jan. 1, 2026 is a federal holiday, SSI payments for January will be paid early, on Dec. 31, 2025.

Here is the SSI payment calendar:

January’s early payment means SSI recipients will not receive a check in January — the next deposit will be Feb. 27.

What Is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income provides benefits to:

• Adults and children with qualifying disabilities
• People aged 65 or older
• Individuals with limited income or resources

The SSA notes that most adults who qualify do not earn more than $2,019 per month in wages.

Applications can be started:

• Online
• At a local SSA office
• Or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)

COLA Increase Coming in January 2026

The 2.8% COLA increase — the highest in several years — takes effect with January’s payments. The increase is tied to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

On average:

• Retirees will receive about $56 more per month
• Couples receiving joint benefits will see larger increases
• SSI recipients will also see higher payments beginning in 2026

Key Takeaways

• December payments are on the normal Wednesday schedule.
• COLA increases start in January 2026.
• SSI gets an early payment on Dec. 31 due to the New Year’s holiday.
• Direct deposit posts fastest — usually by mid-morning on payment day.

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.

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