Social Security payments will proceed on their standard schedule in December, representing the final distribution before the new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), benefits for most older and retired recipients are disbursed on Wednesdays based on their birth date. Recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997 will be paid on December 3.
The payment schedule for December 2025 is as follows:
- December 10: For those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- December 17: For those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- December 24: For those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st of the month.
Beginning in January 2026, beneficiaries will see a 2.8% COLA increase in their payments. The SSA announced this adjustment will raise the average monthly benefit by approximately $56.
The January 2026 payment schedule will follow the same pattern:
- January 14: Birthdays from the 1st to the 10th.
- January 21: Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th.
- January 28: Birthdays from the 21st to the 31st.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Schedule
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are typically issued on the first business day of the month. Because January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday, the January SSI payment will be distributed on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
The upcoming SSI payment schedule is:
- December 1, 2025: December 2025 payment
- December 31, 2025: January 2026 payment
- January 30, 2026: February 2026 payment
- February 27, 2026: March 2026 payment
- April 1, 2026: April 2026 payment
- May 1, 2026: May 2026 payment
- June 1, 2026: June 2026 payment
SSI is a federal benefit program for individuals with limited income and resources who are aged 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. Children with qualifying disabilities are also eligible. To apply, visit the SSA website, a local Social Security office, or call the administration’s toll-free number.
