Social Security checks for December 2025 will be disbursed on multiple dates throughout the month, depending on the type of benefit and the beneficiary’s birth date. This month features six scheduled payment days: December 1, 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, with some recipients receiving two payments due to an early January Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment.
December 2025 Social Security Payment Dates
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December 1 (Monday): Regular SSI payments for all SSI recipients.
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December 3 (Wednesday): Social Security payments for people who also receive SSI or who began benefits before May 1997.
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December 10 (Wednesday): Social Security payments for beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
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December 17 (Wednesday): Social Security payments for beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th.
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December 24 (Wednesday): Social Security payments for beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st.
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December 31 (Wednesday): Early January 2026 SSI payments issued a day early due to New Year’s Day being a federal holiday.
Who Gets Paid When in December 2025
| Date | Payment To |
|---|---|
| December 1 | All SSI recipients |
| December 3 | SSI & Social Security recipients pre-May 1997 |
| December 10 | Social Security recipients born 1st–10th |
| December 17 | Social Security recipients born 11th–20th |
| December 24 | Social Security recipients born 21st–31st |
| December 31 | January 2026 SSI recipients (early payment) |
Why Are Some SSI Recipients Getting Two Payments?
Due to January 1, 2026, being a federal holiday, the monthly SSI payment for January is made early—on December 31, 2025. As a result, SSI beneficiaries will receive their December payment on December 1 and an additional payment for January on December 31. Individuals receiving both SSI and Social Security retirement or disability benefits may receive three payments in December.
Checking Your Payment Date
To avoid confusion, beneficiaries are encouraged to check their personal payment date via the mySocialSecurity online account or contact the SSA directly. Direct deposit ensures the fastest receipt of funds, while paper checks may experience postal delays, particularly during the holiday season.
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FAQs
Q1: Why is there an additional payment on December 31 for SSI recipients?
The January SSI benefit is paid early on December 31 to avoid the payment date falling on the federal holiday of January 1.
Q2: Who receives payments on December 3?
This date covers people who receive both SSI and Social Security or who started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997.
Q3: How does SSA determine Social Security payment days during December?
Payments are distributed on Wednesdays, with the specific Wednesday depending on the recipient’s birth date: 1st–10th, 11th–20th, or 21st–31st.
Understanding these payment timelines can help Social Security beneficiaries plan their finances during the holiday season and prepare for changes with the upcoming cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) effective January 2026.
