Millions of Americans are now checking the December Social Security payment schedule to know exactly when their retirement, SSDI, or SSI benefits will arrive. December is always a special month because federal holidays shift key deposit dates. This year’s schedule includes early payments, on-time Wednesday deposits, and a major rollover affecting January’s SSI check.
Here is the complete, verified December payout calendar.
Why December Has Special Payment Rules
December is one of the few months where the Social Security Administration must adjust dates because of the New Year’s Day federal holiday. Since January 1, 2026, is a holiday, SSI cannot be paid on that date. Instead, SSI beneficiaries will receive their January payment early on December 31.
This means SSI recipients get two payments in December, although the second one officially counts for January.
Who Gets Paid on December 1
Anyone receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will get the regular December benefit on December 1. This includes seniors with limited income, disabled adults, and children on SSI. Combined SSI + Social Security recipients will also receive this payment on time.
| Benefit Type | Standard Date | December 2025 Payment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI | 1st of the month | December 1 | Regular December payment |
| SSI (January’s payment) | January 1 | December 31 | Paid early due to holiday |
| Social Security (birthdays 1–10) | 2nd Wednesday | December 10 | On schedule |
| Social Security (birthdays 11–20) | 3rd Wednesday | December 17 | On schedule |
| Social Security (birthdays 21–31) | 4th Wednesday | December 24 | On schedule (before Christmas) |
Who Receives Payments on December 10, 17, and 24
Traditional Social Security retirement, SSDI, survivors, dependents, and disability beneficiaries follow the birthday-based Wednesday schedule.
Those born:
- On the 1st to 10th get paid December 10.
- On the 11th to 20th get paid December 17.
- On the 21st to 31st get paid December 24, just before Christmas.
These payments remain unchanged because none of the Wednesdays fall on a federal holiday.
Why You May See Two Payments in December
Beneficiaries receiving both SSI and Social Security will see two deposits:
- December 1 – Regular SSI
- December 31 – January’s SSI (paid early)
This is normal and happens several years when holidays shift the schedule. It does not mean a bonus or extra monthly check; it is simply an advance due to federal rules.
What You Should Check Before Payments Arrive
Beneficiaries should ensure their banking information, mailing address, and SSA records are correct. Any mismatch can delay payments. Direct deposit recipients will usually receive funds early in the morning, while mailed checks may take several additional days.
Conclusion: The December Social Security payment schedule is now confirmed. SSI recipients get checks on December 1 and again on December 31, while all others follow the standard Wednesday pattern with payments on December 10, 17, and 24. Understanding this schedule helps avoid confusion and ensures you know exactly when your December benefits will arrive.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available SSA payment-calendar rules for December 2025. Processing times may vary due to bank holidays, verification issues, or administrative updates. Beneficiaries should check SSA notices or their My Social Security account for personalized details.
