Many Americans are asking whether they will receive the $967 payment on December 1, 2025, and the answer depends entirely on which Social Security program they are enrolled in. The amount of $967 is linked to the 2025 federal maximum SSI benefit for individuals, which is why not everyone receives it. Here is the complete, clear breakdown of who qualifies for the December 1 payment and what the rules are for 2025.
Who Qualifies for the $967 Payment on December 1
The December 1 deposit applies only to SSI recipients. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) has its own schedule, which pays on the 1st of every month unless the date falls on a weekend or holiday.
The maximum federal SSI payment for 2025 is $967 for individuals, but not every SSI beneficiary gets the full amount. Eligibility and payment amount depend on income, living arrangements, and state supplements.
Anyone receiving SSI—whether a senior with limited income, a disabled adult, or a child with qualifying disability—will receive their regular December SSI payment on December 1.
Why SSI Recipients Receive Two Payments in December
A special rule affects the December schedule. Because January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday, the SSI payment that would normally be issued on that date must be paid one business day earlier.
Therefore, SSI recipients receive their January 2026 benefit on December 31, 2025.
This means SSI beneficiaries receive two payments in December:
One on December 1 (regular December benefit) and one on December 31 (January’s payment).
| Payment Date | Program | Amount (Maximum) | Who Receives It |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2025 | SSI | Up to $967 | Eligible SSI seniors, adults with disabilities, and children |
| December 10, 17, 24 | Social Security Retirement & SSDI | Varies by benefit record | Birthday-based groups |
| December 31 | SSI (January 2026 payment paid early) | Up to $967 | All SSI recipients |
Who Does NOT Receive a Payment on December 1
Social Security retirement, SSDI, survivor, and dependent beneficiaries do not receive payments on December 1. Their December schedule follows the standard Wednesday cycle based on birthdays:
Those born between the 1st–10th get paid December 10.
Those born between the 11th–20th get paid December 17.
Those born between the 21st–31st get paid December 24.
These recipients will not receive $967 unless they also qualify for SSI.
Why the Amount Is $967
The 2025 federal benefit rate for SSI was adjusted due to the cost-of-living increase (COLA). The maximum monthly SSI amounts for 2025 are:
Individual: $967
Couple: $1,451
These amounts may be higher in states that offer their own supplemental payments. Beneficiaries with income or financial resources may receive less than the maximum.
What Beneficiaries Should Do Before December
SSI recipients should ensure their direct-deposit information, mailing address, and bank details are updated to avoid delays. The month of December sees higher banking and postal activity, so errors can cause unwanted payment holds.
Social Security retirement and SSDI beneficiaries should simply follow the standard Wednesday schedule and do not need to take any additional action.
Conclusion: You will receive the $967 payment on December 1 only if you are getting SSI and meet all eligibility requirements. Retirement and SSDI beneficiaries do not receive payments on this date and follow the usual Wednesday schedule. SSI recipients will also receive a second payment on December 31 because of the January holiday shift.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes the official Social Security and SSI payment rules for December 2025. Actual payment amounts may vary due to income, living arrangements, or state-level supplements. Beneficiaries should check their “My Social Security” account or official SSA notices for exact personal information.
