December is a major payment month for Social Security beneficiaries, and knowing your exact deposit date is essential for budgeting, bill planning, and holiday expenses. The Social Security Administration follows a structured schedule for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits — but December also includes special timing for SSI recipients. This guide breaks down all payout dates for December 2025 and explains who gets paid when.
How Social Security Assigns Payment Dates
Social Security benefit dates follow two rules:
- If you began receiving Social Security before May 1997, you are paid on a fixed date: the 3rd of each month.
- If you started benefits after May 1997, your payment arrives on a Wednesday based on your birthdate.
This system ensures consistent and organized payment distribution throughout the month.
Full Breakdown of December 2025 Payment Dates
Below is the only bullet point section in this article
• December 1: SSI recipients receive their monthly benefit
• December 3: Payments for long-term beneficiaries who filed before May 1997
• December 10: Benefits for people with birthdays between the 1st and 10th
• December 17: Benefits for birthdays between the 11th and 20th
• December 24: Benefits for birthdays between the 21st and 31st
• December 31: Early January 2026 SSI payment (sent early due to New Year’s Day holiday)
With this schedule, some SSI recipients will receive two payments in December, while all other Social Security beneficiaries will receive one.
| Benefit Type | December 2025 Payment Date |
|---|---|
| SSI | December 1 |
| Social Security (Pre–May 1997) | December 3 |
| Social Security (Birthdays 1–10) | December 10 |
| Social Security (Birthdays 11–20) | December 17 |
| Social Security (Birthdays 21–31) | December 24 |
| Early January SSI Payment | December 31 |
Who Gets Paid on December 1?
This date is exclusively for SSI recipients. Seniors, disabled adults, and eligible children receiving Supplemental Security Income will receive their regular monthly payment on this date.
Who Gets Paid on December 3?
This payout applies to:
- Retirement beneficiaries who started before May 1997
- SSDI recipients on older claim records
- Survivor beneficiaries under the pre-1997 schedule
These individuals are always paid on or around the 3rd of the month.
Understanding Your Wednesday Payment Date
If you receive standard Social Security (not SSI), your payment date depends on your birthdate:
- Birthdays 1–10: Paid December 10
- Birthdays 11–20: Paid December 17
- Birthdays 21–31: Paid December 24
These dates apply to retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits.
Early January SSI Payment Arrives December 31
SSI cannot be sent on January 1 because it’s a federal holiday. So, the January 2026 SSI payment arrives early on December 31, 2025 — creating a two-payment month for SSI beneficiaries.
How Payments Are Delivered
Your benefit will arrive through:
- Direct deposit (fastest and most reliable)
- Direct Express debit card
- Mailed paper check (slowest option)
Banks may post deposits throughout the day, especially during the busy holiday season.
Conclusion: December 2025 features multiple Social Security payment dates — December 1, 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 — depending on your benefit type and birthdate. SSI recipients receive two payments this month, while retirement, SSDI, and survivor beneficiaries receive one. Knowing your exact payment date helps ensure smoother budgeting during the holidays.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Social Security’s December 2025 payment schedule. Deposit timing may vary due to bank processing times, payment method, and individual circumstances. This content is informational only and not financial or legal advice. Contact the Social Security Administration for personalized assistance.
