Around 7.5 million American beneficiaries will receive on December 1, 2025, the last check corresponding to the benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Specifically, this is the payment of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which will be received twice in the month of December, since on Wednesday the 31st, beneficiaries will receive the check corresponding to January 1, 2026, due to it coinciding with a federal holiday. This payment is intended for people with low income, over 65 years old, or who have a disability. The average monthly amount is $717.84 per month, which may vary if claimed by an individual or as a couple.
It is expected that, along with retirement, SSDI, and survivor program figures, the amount of these checks will increase by 2.8% starting with the first payment of 2026, corresponding with the latest Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Those individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) together with retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or survivor benefits will receive the first on December 1 and the second on December 3. The payment method will remain the same as before, allowing the beneficiary to choose whether it is through a debit card, a special card, or direct deposits into their bank account.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
On the upcoming December 1, 2026, the nearly 7.5 million Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA) will receive their last check of 2025. However, December brings with it the payment of two Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks: one for December 2025, and the second for January 2026. This advance payment occurs because New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday, so the Social Security benefits payment is moved up to the first business day.
According to figures shared by Social Security (SSA), this program has 7,406 million beneficiaries throughout the United States. Unlike other Social Security plans, such as retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or survivor benefits, Social Security does not take into account tax payments but the needs of the applicants. This program is aimed at those over 65 years old, people who have few or no resources, or those who have a disability.
Monthly amounts from SSI
According to SSA figures, the average monthly amount received by SSI beneficiaries is $717.84. The amount may vary depending on whether it is requested individually, with a maximum of $967, or as a couple, potentially receiving up to $1,450 per month. The amount from this social program, along with other Social Security benefits (retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor benefits), will see a 2.8% increase reflected in the first check for the year 2026. This increase corresponds to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026.
Payment Calendar for the Month of December
The remaining payments for Social Security programs will follow the calendar based on the beneficiaries’ birth dates:
- Born on the 1st-10th of each month: Wed., Dec. 10.
- Born between the 11th and 20th of each month: Wed., Dec. 17.
- Born on the 21st-31st of each month: Wed., Dec. 24.
As previously mentioned, those who have been receiving benefits since before May 1997 are not included in this calendar and will receive their benefits on Wednesday, December 3. If receiving SSI together with any other benefit such as retirement, SSDI, or survivors benefits, the first will be paid on December 1 and the latter on December 3.
SSA Payment Methods
The Social Security Administration allows beneficiaries to choose how they want to receive their check. The option to receive a paper check has been limited to specific cases, so the two options available are:
- Through direct deposits into the beneficiary’s bank account. This information can be provided through the online portal ‘My Social Security’.
- Through special debit cards. Beneficiaries receive a Direct Express card where the amount corresponding to their social program is deposited each month.
If you have any doubt, here you have the SSA’s official payment calendar.