Starting December 2025, millions of Americans will see three big shifts: adjusted payment dates because of holidays and weekends, the last checks at 2025 rates, and the first glimpse of the bigger 2026 checks (thanks to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment or COLA).
Quick Background on Social Security Payments
Social Security has been sending monthly benefits since 1940. Normally, payments arrive on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday (or the prior business day if it falls on a holiday). December often gets tricky because of Christmas and New Year’s.
Why These December Changes Actually Matter to You
Missing even one day of planning can mean budgeting stress during the holidays. Knowing the exact deposit dates and the upcoming COLA boost helps you avoid surprises and plan holiday spending wisely.
New December 2025 Payment Schedule Explained
| Birth Date / Claim Date | Normal Wednesday | December 2025 Actual Deposit Date |
|---|---|---|
| Before May 1997 OR 1st–10th | 2nd Wednesday | December 10, 2025 |
| 11th–20th | 3rd Wednesday | December 17, 2025 |
| 21st–31st | 4th Wednesday | December 23, 2025 (Tuesday – Christmas Eve adjustment) |
| SSI Recipients | 1st of the month | December 31, 2025 (moved to December 30) |
The 2026 COLA Increase: How Much Extra Will You Get?
The official 2026 COLA is 2.5% (announced October 2025). Your January 2026 check (arriving as early as December 31 for some) will be the first with the raise.
| Average Monthly Benefit (2025) | Extra with 2.5% COLA | New Average (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement: $1,920 | +$48 | ~$1,968 |
| SSDI: $1,539 | +$38 | ~$1,577 |
| SSI (individual): $967 | +$24 | ~$991 |
Notable Facts & Statistics for 2025–2026
- Over 73 million Americans get Social Security or SSI
- 2.5% is the smallest COLA since 2021, but still adds ~$50/month for the average retiree
- December 2025 will be the final month without the new increase
Expert Tips to Make Sure You Get Every Penny
- Sign up for Direct Deposit — fastest and safest
- Create a “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov to see your exact new amount
- Mark your calendar now for the December dates above
- Budget the “old” amount for December, treat January’s boost as a bonus
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will I get two checks in December 2025?
A: No, only January 1 payments move into December for some recipients.
Q: When will I see the 2.5% increase?
A: Your first higher check arrives between December 31, 2025 and January 28, 2026 depending on your schedule.
Q: Are stimulus checks coming back?
A: No federal stimulus checks are currently approved for 2025–2026.
Final Thoughts — Stay Prepared!
December 2025 isn’t bringing massive surprises, but the shifted dates and upcoming COLA bump are worth knowing now. Mark those payment dates, log into your SSA account, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being ready. Share this with family or friends who get benefits — they’ll thank you!