For millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits — whether retirement, disability (SSDI), survivor benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — understanding the payment schedule is essential, especially around year-end. Many beneficiaries ask: “Will Social Security payments come in December 2025?” The answer is yes — and here’s how it works, what dates to expect, and whether you qualify.
December 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a predictable monthly pattern for distributing benefits, but December has some unique twists due to the calendar and federal holidays. In December 2025, multiple scheduled payments will go out throughout the month:
1. SSI Payments
- December 1, 2025: Regular SSI benefit payment arrives for eligible recipients.
- December 31, 2025: A second SSI payment will arrive — but this is actually the January 2026 SSI benefit paid early because January 1 is a federal holiday. This means some SSI recipients will see two payments in December even though the total amount covers two monthly benefits.
2. Retirement, Survivor & SSDI Payments
For most Social Security retirement, survivor, and SSDI beneficiaries, payments are sent on specific Wednesdays, based on birth dates:
- December 3, 2025: For people who started receiving benefits before May 1997, or who receive both SSI and Social Security.
- December 10: Benefits for people born 1st–10th of the month.
- December 17: Benefits for birthdays 11th–20th.
- December 24: Benefits for birthdays 21st–31st.
This staggered schedule ensures that benefits are spread out and predictable each month.
Why December Has Extra Payments
This year, December 2025 stands out because some SSI recipients get what looks like three checks — one SSI payment on Dec. 1, one Social Security retirement/SSDI/ survivor payment mid-month, and another SSI payment on Dec. 31. This doesn’t mean extra money beyond your benefits — it’s simply the timing of the January SSI benefit being moved earlier so that beneficiaries don’t wait until after the holiday.
The same rule doesn’t apply to regular retirement or SSDI benefits; those still follow the Wednesday schedule based on birth dates.
Are You Eligible for Payments in December 2025?
Eligibility depends on the type of benefit you receive:
1. Social Security Retirement Benefits
You must have applied and been approved for Social Security retirement benefits. Benefits are paid monthly in arrears — meaning December payments cover benefits earned for November. Most recipients are eligible once they reach at least age 62, although full benefits depend on your birth year.
2. SSDI (Disability) Benefits
If you’ve been approved for SSDI benefits, you receive payments on the same schedule as retirement benefits — based on your birthday group. SSI recipients receiving SSDI plus SSI follow a slightly different calendar.
3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is need-based and has income/resource limits. It doesn’t depend on work credits like retirement or disability benefits. SSI recipients will receive December SSI on Dec. 1 and the January 2026 SSI on Dec. 31, as noted above.
If you have filed and been approved for the benefit before December, and meet the program’s eligibility rules, you’ll receive your benefit according to these schedules. Always ensure your SSA account information is current and you’ve filed any required applications well before these dates.
Conclusion
Yes — Social Security payments are coming in December 2025 for eligible beneficiaries. Whether you receive a retirement check, SSDI benefit, SSI payment, or a combination, the SSA has set dates throughout the month based on specific rules and schedules. Some SSI recipients might see two payments in December since the January 2026 check arrives early due to the New Year holiday.
To confirm your personal eligibility or exact payment date, check your my Social Security account or contact the SSA — that’s the most accurate way to track benefits tailored to your situation rather than relying on general schedules alone.
