Social Security Confirms December 2025 Payments for 70-Year-Olds — Who Will Receive Up to $2,389 Next?

November 25, 2025 kenra

Millions of retirees aged 70 are set to receive their Social Security payments in December 2025, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) has already finalized the payout schedule. For seniors who are turning 70 or are already collecting retirement benefits, the exact December 2025 Social Security payday will depend strictly on their birthdate. This month is particularly important because it includes multiple retirement checks and two SSI payments, making it one of the busiest payout months of the year.

Below is the updated Social Security payment schedule for December 2025, along with how much the average 70-year-old retiree receives.

December 10, 2025 — First Social Security Payment for 70-Year-Olds

Eligibility for December 10 Payment

Retirees aged 70 whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th will receive their payment on December 10, 2025, which is the second Wednesday of the month.

To be included in this group, seniors must:

Be born between December 1–10
Have received their first Social Security check after April 30, 1997
Not be receiving SSI, as SSI follows a separate schedule

This category includes a substantial portion of older Americans aged 62 and above, though 70-year-olds remain one of the strongest beneficiary groups.

Average Social Security Benefit for Age 70: $2,148 Per Mont

According to SSA data, retirees who file at age 70 receive the highest average monthly Social Security benefit—about $2,148 per month.

Gender-Based Average Payments

Men aged 70: approximately $2,389.95
Women aged 70: around $1,909.42

This difference of more than $250 above the national retirement average highlights the advantage of delaying benefits until age 70, which boosts monthly payments by up to 24% compared to claiming at 67.

December 17, 2025 — Second Social Security Payment for 70-Year-Olds

Retirees born between the 11th and 20th will receive their deposit on December 17, 2025, the third Wednesday of the month.

This is the second major retirement payout for 70-year-olds in December and arrives just before peak holiday spending. Beneficiaries are encouraged to monitor direct deposits to avoid potential delays during Christmas week.

December 24, 2025 — Final Social Security Payment of the Year

Seniors with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st will receive their benefit on December 24, 2025—the day before Christmas Eve. This final Wednesday payment is especially important for retirees budgeting for holiday expenses.

SSI Payments in December 2025: Two Deposits Confirmed

Unlike Social Security retirement benefits, SSI follows its own schedule. SSI recipients will receive:

December 1: Regular SSI payment for December
December 31: Early SSI payment for January 2026 (because January 1 is a federal holiday)

This advanced payment practice occurs whenever the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday.

Who Gets Paid on December 3, 2025?

While most retirees follow the Wednesday payment cycle, some seniors will be paid earlier on December 3, 2025, including:

Retirees who started receiving Social Security before May 1997
Beneficiaries who collect both SSI and Social Security

This group always receives their checks on the first non-holiday Wednesday of the month.

SSA Pushes for Direct Deposit: Paper Checks Nearly Phased Out

A small percentage of retirees aged 70 still receive paper checks, but the SSA continues transitioning everyone to electronic payments:

Direct deposit
Direct Express® debit card

Electronic payments are faster, safer, and more reliable—benefits that are especially crucial during December when holiday mail delays are common.

Many 70-Year-Olds Still Wonder: When Is the Best Time to Claim Social Security?

Workers nearing retirement can use the SSA’s my Social Security portal to access their personalized statements. These statements show estimated benefits at 62, 67, and 70, helping seniors compare long-term outcomes and choose the best filing age based on their earnings history and financial needs.

Summary: Complete December 2025 Payment Calendar for 70-Year-Olds

December 3: Early retirees (filed before May 1997) or dual SSI + Social Security recipients
December 10: Birthdays from the 1st–10th
December 17: Birthdays from the 11th–20th
December 24: Birthdays from the 21st–31st
December 1: Regular SSI payment
December 31: Early SSI payment for January 2026

Many Americans are anxious about when their food assistance will arrive after the recent federal shutdown. December SNAP Benefits Post-Shutdown — Full State-by-State Payment Schedule helps clarify how every state will distribute funds this month. The update explains that while some states issue payments on regular cycles, others have shifted or extended dates to ensure no household is left waiting. By reviewing the December SNAP Benefits Post-Shutdown — Full State-by-State Payment Schedule, families can plan their groceries confidently and understand exactly when their benefits will reach their EBT cards.

Conclusion

The December 2025 Social Security payment schedule for 70-year-olds is packed with multiple payout dates due to the holiday calendar and SSI’s advance payments. With average benefits at $2,148 per month, seniors filing at age 70 continue to receive the highest Social Security retirement income. Understanding the December payment dates ensures retirees stay financially prepared throughout the holiday season and into the new year.