Social Security benefits will arrive differently for some in December.
The federal agency reports that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will be issued on the 1st and 15th of the final month of 2025. However, the second payment will actually be for the month of January, given that the first of the new year is a federal holiday. The funds will be delivered via check or direct deposit. SSI is a program that monetarily supports individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability and have limited income and resources.
For traditional Social Security benefits, a recipient’s date of birth determines when benefits are paid. Those born on the 1st to the 10th day of their respective birth month will be paid on the second Wednesday of December. Recipients born between the 11th and 20th will be paid on the third Wednesday of December, and those born between the 21st and 31st will be compensated on the fourth Wednesday.
However, there is an exception. Beneficiaries who began drawing from Social Security before May 1997 will be paid on the 3rd of December. This also applies to SSI recipients.
Starting in January, Social Security beneficiaries will earn a little more money each month. The more than 70 million Americans acquiring benefits will see a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment.