The Social Security Administration (SSA) has already started making the payments for the month of December, that is, the last ones for the year 2025. All beneficiaries of retirement insurance, survivor benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will begin to receive their payments soon—if they haven’t already. Payments will follow the official Social Security schedule, with some beneficiaries having to wait until the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month to receive their payment.
There are also no changes to the payment method, as beneficiaries can choose to receive a direct deposit or via an express debit card. This will be the last payment before the 2.8% increase takes effect, which will apply starting with the first payment of January 2026.
Social Security Payments for the Month of December
The payment of the monthly benefits for Social Security recipients for the month of December has already begun. This will be the last payment before the 2.8% COLA increase is added to the final amount, which will take effect starting with the first payment in January 2026. Recipients of retirement insurance, survivor benefits, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are already anticipating their payments for the holiday season.
When will payments be made?
The month of December will not experience any unusual changes, so payments will be carried out regularly, according to the official Social Security calendar. SSI recipients receive their payments on the 1st, while retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits are paid on Wednesday each month according to their birthdate.
- Second Weds.: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th.
- Third Weds.: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th.
- Fourth Weds.: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st.
It is important to remember that those individuals who have been receiving benefits since before May 1997 receive their payments on the 1st of each month regardless of their date of birth. To clear up any doubts, the payment schedule for the month of December will follow this order: Mon., Dec. 1: SSI recipients (Dec. payment) Weds., Dec. 3: Retirees/survivors/SSDI beneficiaries since before May 1997; dual beneficiaries Weds., Dec. 10: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th Weds., Dec. 17: Birthdays between the 11th and 20th Weds., Dec. 24: Birthdays between the 21st and 31st Weds., Dec. 31: SSI recipients (Jan. payment).
What have been the benefit figures in 2025?
As we have already explained, the amount received by beneficiaries depends on the eligibility requirements of each benefit, as well as their income history and work life. However, SSA data shows the following figures:
- Retirees: They receive an average of $2,008.31, and the maximum available amount is $5,108.
- Disabled workers: They receive an average of $1,582.95.
- Survivor benefits: They receive an average of $1,575.30.
- SSI beneficiaries: Average of $717.84 per month.
Payment Methods
The Social Security Administration opts for electronic payments, leaving paper checks behind “in most cases.” These electronic payments allow beneficiaries to choose between Direct Deposit or through Express Debit Cards.
Direct deposit
Beneficiaries can receive their money via direct deposit by providing the agency with their banking information. You can provide this information through the “my Social Security” online portal.
Express Debit Card
Beneficiaries can also receive their benefits on the Direct Express card, a special debit card for federal payments for people without a bank account.