December 2025 Social Security Deposit Dates: Waiting for your Social Security check this December? With holidays, double SSI payments, and the new 2.8% raise coming, it’s easy to get confused. This clear guide shows exactly when your money will hit your bank—no complicated rules or guesswork. Whether you get retirement, disability (SSDI), survivors benefits, or SSI, we break it down in plain English using the official 2025 Social Security Administration (SSA) schedule. Bookmark this page and never miss a deposit again!
Why December 2025 Is Different (and Better) for Many People
December brings two big extras this year:
- SSI recipients get TWO checks: one for December and an early January payment (because January 1 is a holiday).
- The 2026 cost-of-living increase (2.8%) starts with the December 31 SSI check — that’s an extra $50+ for the average person starting right away.
All payments are direct deposit only — paper checks ended in 2025 — so money arrives fast and safe.
Quick Look at Your December 2025 Payments
| Payment Type | Date You’ll Get Paid | Who Gets It This Day |
|---|---|---|
| SSI – December payment | December 1 (Monday) | Everyone on SSI |
| Social Security (pre-May 1997) or dual benefits | December 3 (Wednesday) | Started benefits before 1997 OR get SSI + SS |
| Birthdays 1st–10th | December 10 (2nd Wednesday) | Retirement, SSDI, survivors |
| Birthdays 11th–20th | December 17 (3rd Wednesday) | Retirement, SSDI, survivors |
| Birthdays 21st–31st | December 24 (4th Wednesday) | Retirement, SSDI, survivors |
| SSI – January 2026 (early because of holiday) | December 31 (Wednesday) | Everyone on SSI – includes the 2.8% raise! |
How to Know Your Exact Day Every Month
Most people (anyone who started benefits after May 1997) follow the birthday rule:
- Day 1–10 of the month → 2nd Wednesday
- Day 11–20 → 3rd Wednesday
- Day 21–31 → 4th Wednesday
If you started before May 1997 (or get both SSI and Social Security), you are paid on the 3rd — that’s December 3 this month.
Full December 2025 Calendar at a Glance
| Date | Day | What Payment Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| December 1 | Monday | SSI December payment |
| December 3 | Wednesday | Pre-1997 Social Security + dual SSI/SS |
| December 10 | Wednesday | Birthdays 1–10 |
| December 17 | Wednesday | Birthdays 11–20 |
| December 24 | Wednesday | Birthdays 21–31 (Christmas Eve – still on time!) |
| December 31 | Wednesday | SSI January 2026 (early + 2.8% COLA increase) |
Money usually appears the night before or early morning of your date.
Tips to Make Sure You Get Paid on Time
- Double-check your bank info at ssa.gov/myaccount — wrong numbers cause delays.
- Create your free “my Social Security” account today — see your exact amount and payment history.
- If a payment is late, wait until the next business day, then call 1-800-772-1213.
FAQ
When do I get paid if my birthday is the 15th?
December 17, 2025 (3rd Wednesday).
Why are some SSI people getting two checks in December?
January 1 is a holiday, so the SSA moves January’s SSI payment to December 31. It’s not extra money — just early.
Does the 2.8% raise show up in December?
Yes — for SSI recipients on the December 31 check. Everyone else sees it in their January payment.
What if Christmas Eve (Dec 24) delays my check?
No delay — payments are electronic and arrive on schedule.
I get SSI and retirement — when do I get money?
You’ll get SSI on Dec 1, retirement on Dec 3, and another SSI on Dec 31 — three payments this month!
How do I switch to direct deposit?
Log in at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 — it’s free and required now.
Conclusion
December 2025 is one of the best months of the year for Social Security and SSI recipients — double SSI checks for many, the new 2.8% raise starting early, and clear deposit dates you can count on. Just look at your birthday (or when you started benefits) and check the table above — your money is coming like clockwork. Save this guide, share it with family, and log into ssa.gov today to see your exact amounts. You’ve earned these benefits — enjoy the extra breathing room this holiday season and have a happy, financially secure 2026!