The Social Security Benefits December 2025 payment schedule is important for retirees, spouses, survivors and disabled beneficiaries who depend on monthly checks. Due to the holiday calendar, the Social Security Administration will issue adjusted payment dates and SSI recipients will receive two deposits in December. Understanding the schedule helps people plan their budgets and avoid confusion during the final month of the year.
Table of Contents
Overview of the December 2025 Social Security Payment Changes
December 2025 brings several shifts because federal offices close on January 1. This affects how SSI and standard Social Security payments are released. While regular Social Security beneficiaries follow the usual weekday cycle based on their birth dates, SSI recipients receive two payments in the same month. These adjustments ensure beneficiaries do not face delays during holiday closures.
Why SSI Recipients Receive Two Payments in December 2025
SSI is normally paid on the first day of every month. When that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA sends the benefit on the previous business day. Because January 1 2026 is a holiday, the January SSI payment is moved to Wednesday, December 31. This results in two SSI payments in December. The second payment is not extra. It is simply the January benefit paid early.
Who Qualifies for SSI Under the December 2025 Rules
SSI supports people with low income and limited resources. It covers adults aged 65 and older and individuals with disabilities. Eligibility is based on financial need rather than past Social Security contributions. Many states also provide small supplemental payments that are added to the federal SSI amount depending on local rules and budgets.
Key SSI eligibility points
• Must have limited income and resources
• Must be aged 65 or older or meet disability criteria
• Must be a U.S. resident meeting SSA guidelines
• SSI does not require a history of Social Security tax contributions
• Some states provide additional monthly supplements
Table of SSI and Social Security Payment Amounts for December 2025
| Category | Average Monthly Payment | Maximum Monthly Payment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI Individual | 717.84 dollars | 967 dollars | May include state supplement |
| SSI Couple | Not applicable | 1450 dollars | Amount varies by state |
| Social Security Retirement | Varies | Varies | Based on earnings history |
| SSDI | Varies | Varies | Based on work credits |
December 2025 Payment Dates for SSI and Social Security
SSI payments begin the month on Monday, December 1. The second SSI payment arrives on December 31, serving as the January 2026 benefit. Retirement, survivor and SSDI beneficiaries will follow the standard Wednesday schedule based on birth dates. This system remains consistent each year unless a holiday disrupts the cycle.
Birth Date Based Social Security Payment Dates in December 2025
The Social Security Administration follows a stable pattern for retirement, survivor and SSDI beneficiaries. Payments are deposited on the following Wednesdays:
• Birth dates from 1 to 10 receive payment on December 10
• Birth dates from 11 to 20 receive payment on December 17
• Birth dates from 21 to 31 receive payment on December 24
People who receive both SSI and Social Security will get SSI on December 1 and Social Security on December 3. The full SSA calendar for 2025 and 2026 is available on the Social Security website.
What Happens After the Early January SSI Payment
The payment made on December 31 replaces the January 2026 SSI deposit. The next SSI payment arrives on January 30 2026 because February 1 falls on a Sunday. This payment counts as the February 2026 benefit. Beneficiaries should plan their monthly budgets carefully because early deposits can cause confusion if treated as extra income.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why will SSI recipients get two payments under the Social Security Benefits December 2025 schedule
They receive one payment on December 1 and another on December 31 because the January benefit must be issued early due to the New Year holiday. It is not an additional payment. - Will retirement, survivor and SSDI beneficiaries also receive two payments
No. Only SSI beneficiaries receive two payments. Regular Social Security beneficiaries follow the standard Wednesday schedule. - What are the Social Security payment dates based on birth dates
People born from 1 to 10 are paid on December 10, those born from 11 to 20 receive payment on December 17 and those born from 21 to 31 receive payment on December 24. - What is the maximum SSI benefit in December 2025
The maximum SSI payment for an individual is 967 dollars and couples can receive up to 1450 dollars depending on state supplements. - When is the next SSI payment after December 31
The next SSI payment is on January 30 2026, which counts as the February 2026 benefit.
