As December kicks off, millions of Americans are checking their bank accounts for the arrival of their Social Security payments. December 2, 2025, is a key date, especially for those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). But how much exactly are they getting? And why is there an extra payment this month?
Let’s break it all down in simple terms so you know what to expect.
SSI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that helps low-income individuals—especially seniors over 65 or people with disabilities—cover basic needs like food and shelter. Unlike regular Social Security benefits, SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not payroll taxes.
So, who’s getting paid today? If you’re an SSI beneficiary, December 2, 2025, is your payday. These payments usually arrive on the first of each month—unless that day falls on a weekend or federal holiday.
Amounts
The exact amount you’ll receive in SSI depends on a few factors, including your income, living situation, and marital status. But here are the maximum federal SSI amounts for 2025:
| Beneficiary Type | Monthly Maximum Payment |
|---|---|
| Individual | $967 |
| Couple | $1,450 |
| Essential Person | $488 |
On average, though, SSI recipients are getting around $717.84 per month. Keep in mind, if you have other sources of income—like a part-time job, pension, or disability benefits—your SSI payment might be lower.
Bonus
Here’s the best part—SSI recipients will receive a second payment this December. Why? Because January 1, 2026, falls on a federal holiday, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t issue payments on holidays or weekends.
So, instead of receiving January’s payment on the 1st, it’ll be paid early—on December 31, 2025.
Here’s What That Means:
| Payment Date | Covers Benefit For |
|---|---|
| December 2, 2025 | December 2025 SSI |
| December 31, 2025 | January 2026 SSI |
So if you receive SSI, you’ll see two payments in December—but don’t get too excited. That second check is technically next month’s money.
Schedule
Now, what about other Social Security benefits—like retirement, survivors, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)? These are distributed later in the month, depending on your birthday.
Here’s the schedule for December 2025:
| Birthday Falls On | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | Wednesday, Dec 10 |
| 11th – 20th | Wednesday, Dec 17 |
| 21st – 31st | Wednesday, Dec 24 |
That means if your birthday is on, say, December 15, your payment will hit on December 17.
Also, keep in mind that if you started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, your payment will likely come on the 3rd of the month, regardless of your birthday.
Income
Now, let’s talk about one of the most important factors that can affect how much SSI you actually receive: income.
SSI is designed for individuals with very limited financial resources. If you earn money from work or receive income from other benefits (like pensions, SSDI, or VA benefits), your SSI payment may be reduced dollar-for-dollar after the first $20 of unearned income or the first $65 of earned income.
So, if your SSI check is smaller than expected, that might be why.
Rules
There are a few rules to keep in mind when tracking your Social Security payments:
- No payments on weekends or holidays: If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, payments arrive earlier.
- Payment calendar varies: SSI is always paid at the start of the month; other Social Security payments depend on your birthdate.
- Double months: Like this December, some months include a second SSI payment—but it’s just paid early.
So, while it may feel like a bonus, don’t forget that the second payment is technically for the next month.
With 2026 around the corner, now is a great time to plan your January budget carefully, especially since the next official SSI payment after December 31 won’t arrive until February 1, 2026.
Whether you rely on SSI or another Social Security benefit, keeping track of the payment schedule is key to managing your finances. And in months like December—where things move around—it pays to stay informed.
FAQs
How much is SSI in December 2025?
Maximum is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples.
Who gets paid on December 2, 2025?
SSI beneficiaries receive payments on this date.
Why is there a second SSI payment in December?
It’s the January 2026 payment, sent early due to a holiday.
When is the next Social Security payment?
Regular benefits are paid on Dec 10, 17, and 24.
Can income affect my SSI payment?
Yes, other income can reduce your SSI amount.
