Social Security Payments December 2025: As 2025 draws to a close, millions of Americans who depend on Social Security, SSI, and SSDI benefits are preparing for several important changes scheduled for December. The end of the year always brings updates from the Social Security Administration (SSA), but December 2025 has multiple overlapping events: a confirmed 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026, early payments for SSI recipients, the mailing of SSA benefit notices, and significant public interest in whether any new federal stimulus relief is on the horizon. This article breaks down each of these developments clearly, so beneficiaries understand what to expect financially as the year ends.
The 2.8% COLA Raise for 2026: What It Means
The SSA has confirmed that all Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% COLA increase beginning in January 2026. The purpose of COLA is to ensure that benefits keep pace with inflation, which continued to place financial pressure on fixed-income households throughout 2025.
While the exact dollar increase depends on an individual’s benefit amount, the SSA estimates that the average retirement recipient will see their monthly payment rise by approximately $56. Disability, survivor, and family beneficiaries will see comparable percentage increases. For SSI recipients, the maximum federal payment will also rise by the same 2.8% starting with their January 2026 benefit, which is scheduled to be paid early—on December 31, 2025—due to the New Year’s Day federal holiday.
It is important to note that December 2025 payments will not include the COLA raise. The first payments reflecting the increase are issued in late December (for SSI) or in January 2026 (for Social Security retirement and SSDI).
December 2025 SSA Letters: What Beneficiaries Will Receive
Every year, the SSA sends out benefit verification letters—commonly called COLA notices—to inform recipients of their updated payment amounts for the coming year. For 2025, these letters are being issued throughout December, both by mail and through the “my Social Security” online portal.
Individuals who have chosen paperless notifications can view their updated 2026 benefit amounts earlier by logging into their SSA accounts. The notice provides detailed information, including:
The beneficiary’s new monthly payment amount
Adjusted deductions for Medicare Part B or D premiums (if applicable)
Any changes to withholdings
The official COLA percentage
These letters are critical for financial planning, especially for households that rely heavily on benefits to cover housing, medication, and food expenses. Beneficiaries are encouraged to review the notice carefully to ensure no errors are present.
December 2025 Payment Schedule: Retirement, SSDI, and SSI
The SSA distributes Social Security payments according to a schedule tied to recipients’ birthdays. For December 2025, the payment dates are as follows:
December 10, 2025 – For individuals with birthdays between the 1st and 10th
December 17, 2025 – For birthdays between the 11th and 20th
December 24, 2025 – For birthdays between the 21st and 31st
Those who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 follow a different schedule and will receive payments on December 3, 2025.
SSI beneficiaries typically receive their benefits on the first of each month. However, because January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday, the January SSI payment will be issued early on December 31, 2025. This means SSI recipients will receive two payments in December:
December 1, 2025 – Regular December SSI payment
December 31, 2025 – January SSI payment (early)
This early payment often creates the misconception of a bonus check, but it is simply the January benefit paid ahead of schedule.
Recipients who receive both SSI and Social Security may receive up to three separate deposits in December, depending on their specific circumstances.
SSDI Recipients: What to Expect
SSDI beneficiaries follow the same COLA increase as retirement beneficiaries. Their December payments will also follow the birthday-based schedule, unless they receive both SSI and SSDI, in which case they may see the early SSI deposit as well.
The 2.8% COLA increase will appear in their January 2026 SSDI payment, helping offset rising costs for healthcare, utilities, and basic living needs.
Stimulus Update: Are More Payments Coming?
As of now, there is no federal stimulus payment authorized for December 2025 or early 2026. While periodic rumors circulate online, no legislation has been passed that would provide a new round of nationwide stimulus checks.
Some states may continue offering targeted rebates or tax refunds based on local budgets, but these are not federal Social Security benefits and do not affect SSI or SSDI payment schedules.
Beneficiaries should rely on official SSA communications or state revenue departments for accurate information, rather than viral social-media posts.
Preparing for 2026: What Beneficiaries Should Do Now
With the new COLA increase, early SSI payment, and updated benefit notices arriving, December 2025 is a good time for recipients to:
Review their SSA COLA notice for accuracy
Plan their January finances carefully, since SSI beneficiaries will not receive a payment in January due to the early disbursement
Update account information on their “my Social Security” portal
Track Medicare premium changes that could affect their net benefit
The final month of 2025 brings adjustments that influence the start of the new year, and understanding these changes ensures beneficiaries continue to manage their finances smoothly.