Social Security Update: Retirees Set to Receive New Payments in December
As December 2025 approaches, millions of Social Security beneficiaries are preparing for next month’s payment schedule. The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a strict distribution calendar, and the dates depend on when you were born, when you first claimed benefits, and whether you also receive SSI benefits. This guide breaks down all updated Social Security payment dates, explains the 2026 COLA increase, and highlights how some people may receive three payments in December.
Social Security Payments for Those Who Filed After May 1997
Beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security benefits after May 1997 follow the standard birthday-based schedule. Here is when the first group will be paid in December 2025:
Second Wednesday Payment — December 10, 2025
- Payments go to people born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- This group receives their Social Security December payment on December 10, 2025.
Payments for Those Who Filed Before May 1997
Individuals who claimed Social Security before May 1997 receive payments on a fixed date each month:
Fixed Payment Date — December 3, 2025
- Payments always arrive on the 3rd of every month.
- This date also applies to:
- People receiving both Social Security and SSI
- Beneficiaries who live outside the United States
December 2025 Payments for Third and Fourth Wednesdays
For other retirees, payment dates depend on the day of birth:
Third Wednesday — December 17, 2025
- For individuals born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
Fourth Wednesday — December 24, 2025
- For individuals born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
This ensures every Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability beneficiary receives payment on the correct date.
Special SSI Situation: Possible “Triple Payments” in December 2025
A unique issue occurs with SSI payments scheduled for January 1, 2026, which is a federal holiday.
Advance SSI Payment — December 31, 2025
- The SSA will issue January 2026 SSI benefits early, on December 31, 2025.
- Therefore, some people who receive both Social Security and SSI may get three payments in December:
- December SSI payment — December 1
- Social Security payment — based on birthday
- Early January SSI payment — December 31
This is not an increase but an early deposit for next month’s benefit.
Maximum Monthly Benefits & 2026 COLA Increase
COLA Increase for 2026
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 has been confirmed at 2.8%.
New Maximum Benefit Amounts
- The maximum Social Security benefit in 2026 for someone retiring at full retirement age will be $4,152 per month, up from $4,018 in 2025.
- Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the 2.8% COLA increase beginning January 2026.
- SSI recipients—about 7.5 million people—will see their increase applied on December 31, 2025.
Average Payment Increase
- The average retirement benefit will increase by around $56 per month, rising from $2,015 to $2,071.
COLA Notification
Beneficiaries will receive their new 2026 benefit amount by late November 2025.
The quickest way to view updates is through the Message Center in your my Social Security online account.
How to Increase Your Social Security Retirement Benefits
One strategy to grow your monthly payment is by delaying benefits beyond Full Retirement Age (FRA).
Delayed Retirement Credits
- Benefits increase 8% per year for each year you delay, up to age 70.
- Waiting until age 70 can increase your benefit by 24–32% compared to claiming at FRA.
- After age 70, no additional credits apply, so further delay brings no financial advantage.
Delaying is one of the most effective ways to maximize lifetime Social Security income.
If you’re expecting an IRS refund this year, you may be in for a pleasant surprise.IRS Refunds could increase by up to $1,000 compared to last year, offering more financial relief to eligible taxpayers. To apply for your refund, make sure your tax returns are filed on time and accurately. Ensure that all credits and deductions are claimed correctly to maximize your refund amount and avoid delays in processing.
Conclusion
The December 2025 Social Security payment schedule comes with several important updates, especially for those who also receive SSI. With the 2026 COLA increase raising monthly checks and early payments scheduled due to holidays, beneficiaries should track their deposit dates carefully. Preparing ahead, reviewing your my Social Security account, and understanding how payment timing, COLA changes, and delayed retirement credits work can help you plan your finances more effectively and maximize long-term benefits.
FAQs
1. Why will some beneficiaries get three payments in December 2025?
Because January 1, 2026 is a federal holiday, the SSA will send the January SSI payment early, on December 31.
2. When will the 2026 COLA increase start?
The 2.8% COLA takes effect in January 2026 for Social Security and December 31, 2025 for SSI.
3. Who gets Social Security payments on December 10, 17, and 24, 2025?
Payments depend on birthdays:
- Dec 10: Birthdays 1–10
- Dec 17: Birthdays 11–20
- Dec 24: Birthdays 21–31