KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Social Security checks hit on four dates in December 2025.
- SSI recipients get two payments due to the New Year’s Day holiday.
- Birth date determines when most Americans receive their benefits.
Social Security checks start rolling out soon, and if you rely on these benefits, you probably want to know exactly when your money is coming.
Here’s the quick rundown so you’re not left guessing as we head into December.
SSA will send payments on Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17, and Dec. 24, depending on your birth date or when you first started receiving benefits.
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SSI recipients get two payments this month — one on Dec. 1 and another on Dec. 31 — because New Year’s Day falls on a federal holiday.
Social Security & SSI Payment Overview
| Category | Who Gets Paid | December 2025 Payment Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSA (Pre-May 1997) | Anyone who began benefits before May 1997 | Dec. 3 | Fixed date each month |
| SSA (Birthdays 1–10) | RSDI beneficiaries | Dec. 10 | Second Wednesday |
| SSA (Birthdays 11–20) | RSDI beneficiaries | Dec. 17 | Third Wednesday |
| SSA (Birthdays 21–31) | RSDI beneficiaries | Dec. 24 | Fourth Wednesday |
| SSI | Eligible SSI recipients | Dec. 1 & Dec. 31 | January’s payment moves up due to holiday |
How December Payments Are Assigned
The SSA uses a simple system for most people: your birth date determines your payday.
But there’s one big exception — if you were already receiving Social Security before May 1997, you’re on an older schedule and always get paid at the start of the month.
People receiving retirement, disability, or survivor benefits who filed after that date fall into one of the three Wednesday groups.
And if you’re on SSI, your payment usually lands on the 1st of the month, unless a weekend or federal holiday gets in the way. That’s why January’s payment shows up on Dec. 31.
Full December 2025 Payment Timeline
Here’s every date you need to know:
- Dec. 3: SSA beneficiaries who started before May 1997
- Dec. 10: Birthdays between 1st–10th
- Dec. 17: Birthdays between 11th–20th
- Dec. 24: Birthdays between 21st–31st
- Dec. 1 & Dec. 31: SSI payments
Did Social Security Stop During the Government Shutdown?
Nope. Payments did not stop during the shutdown.
Social Security benefits come from permanent funding, so your monthly deposits continue regardless of political gridlock.
What to Do If Your Social Security Payment Is Missing
If your deposit doesn’t show up, don’t panic — here’s the game plan:
- Check with your bank first. Sometimes the payment is sitting in a processing delay.
- Still missing? Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- You can also visit your local SSA office. If the payment is truly overdue, SSA will replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does SSI get two payments in December?
Because January 1 is a federal holiday, the payment shifts to the previous business day — this year, that’s Dec. 31.
2. Does my COLA increase affect my December payment?
No. Cost-of-living adjustments typically start with the January payment each year.
3. Can I change my Social Security payment date?
No. Payment dates are fixed based on your birth date or your original benefit start date.
