If you’re one of the 75 million Americans who rely on Social Security payments, it’s time to mark your calendar. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed three crucial payment dates for this month — with some beneficiaries eligible to receive up to $5,108 in benefits.
Whether you’re receiving retirement, disability, or SSI, here’s what you need to know about when to expect your money, how much you could receive, and what changes are coming for 2026.
Overview
The SSA oversees monthly payments for millions, including retirees, people with disabilities, and individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These payments are essential — for many, they’re the main or only source of income.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the three major types of payments:
| Payment Type | Who It’s For | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement | Seniors who contributed to SSA while working | Work history and age |
| Disability | Individuals unable to work due to disability | Income and medical condition |
| SSI | Low-income seniors or disabled individuals | Income/resources |
While some people receive more than one type of payment (like both SSI and Retirement), most receive just one. The SSA encourages retirees to have multiple income streams, but it continues to serve as a financial safety net for millions.
Maximum
So, who qualifies for the maximum retirement benefit of $5,108 per month? It’s rare, but possible — and it requires checking all three boxes below:
- You earned income for at least 35 years
- You earned the maximum taxable SSA amount in each of those years
- You waited until age 70 to start receiving benefits
Most retirees receive far less, but this is the ceiling for 2025.
Dates
The SSA follows a birthdate-based payment schedule for distributing monthly benefits. Here are the three key payment dates for December 2025:
| Date | Who Gets Paid |
|---|---|
| December 12 | Birthdays between the 1st–10th |
| December 19 | Birthdays between the 11th–20th |
| December 26 | Birthdays between the 21st–31st |
These dates apply to most retirement and disability benefit recipients. But SSI recipients were paid early this month — back on October 31, since December 1 landed on a weekend.
If you receive both SSI and retirement benefits, your retirement portion would have been paid on December 3.
Changes
Looking ahead to 2026, some big changes are coming to the Social Security system.
Here are the most important updates:
- Paper checks are ending: The SSA announced it will stop sending paper checks to most recipients starting in 2026. Payments will be direct deposit only, though some exceptions will apply.
- COLA increase: Benefits will rise by 2.8% in 2026 to keep up with inflation. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is meant to protect purchasing power — though many retirees say it doesn’t fully reflect the rising cost of essentials.
Here’s how a 2.8% COLA might look for the average retiree:
| Monthly Benefit in 2025 | New 2026 Benefit |
|---|---|
| $1,800 | ~$1,850 |
| $3,000 | ~$3,084 |
| $5,108 (max) | ~$5,251 |
Takeaways
If you depend on Social Security, knowing when your payment arrives is key — especially during the holiday season when bills and expenses stack up. Be sure your address and direct deposit info are up to date with the SSA to avoid delays, especially with the paper check phase-out on the horizon.
Remember: the maximum amount is not automatic — it depends on your earnings, work history, and when you started benefits. But regardless of how much you receive, staying informed helps you plan better.
And if your birthday falls between December 1 and 31, your next check is just around the corner.
FAQs
What’s the max SSA payment in 2025?
Up to $5,108 per month for eligible retirees.
When are December SSA payments sent?
On December 12, 19, and 26 based on your birthday.
When was December SSI paid?
It was paid early, on October 31, 2025.
Will SSA stop mailing checks?
Yes, most paper checks end in 2026 — direct deposit will be required.
How much is the 2026 COLA increase?
A 2.8% benefit increase will begin in January 2026.
