Social Security payments arrive on fixed dates in December 2025 based on birth date (1st-10th on Dec 10, etc.) or filing date/SSI status, with SSI shifting for holidays; January 2026 payments reflect the 2.8% COLA boost (average retiree check rises ~$55/month to $1,976).
December 2025 Schedule
| Date | Who Gets Paid |
|---|---|
| Dec 1 | SSI-only |
| Dec 3 | Pre-May 1997 filers; SSI + Social Security |
| Dec 10 | Birthdays 1st–10th |
| Dec 17 | Birthdays 11th–20th |
| Dec 24 | Birthdays 21st–31st |
| Dec 31 | Early January SSI (extra payment) |
Direct deposit by midnight local; checks 3+ days.
January 2026 Schedule & 2.8% COLA
| Date | Who Gets Paid | COLA Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | SSI-only (shifts to Dec 31 prepaid) | +2.8% (~$28 to $994 max) |
| Jan 7 | Pre-May 1997 filers; SSI + SS | Average retiree +$55/mo |
| Jan 14 | Birthdays 1st–10th | SSDI/SSI also boosted |
| Jan 21 | Birthdates 11th–20th | Survivors +$45 avg |
| Jan 28 | Birthdates 21st–31st | Total Trust Fund impact: $140B/yr |
COLA based on CPI-W; full checks Jan 2026.
Key Beneficiary Notes
Double Dec SSI: Dec 1 + Dec 31 covers Jan holiday shift.
Verify Dates: mySocialSecurity account or 1-800-772-1213.
No action needed; automatic adjustments.
SOURCE
FAQs
Q1: When do birthdays 1-10 get Dec payment?
December 10.
Q2: What’s my COLA increase?
2.8% across all benefits starting Jan.
Q3: SSI Jan payment date?
Prepaid Dec 31.
