For millions of Americans relying on Social Security payments, December’s schedule is a key part of planning holiday expenses. And now, one group of beneficiaries is just days away from receiving their last Social Security Administration (SSA) check before Christmas.
With over 75 million beneficiaries depending on timely SSA payments each month, knowing when your check is due helps avoid uncertainty—especially during the costly holiday season. Here’s who gets paid next, what the schedule looks like for the rest of the year, and what to expect in 2026.
Timing
The next major payment date falls on Wednesday, December 19, 2025. This check will be sent to SSA beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 11th and the 20th of any month. This is the last SSA payment for this group before Christmas.
If you fall into this birthdate bracket, keep an eye on your bank account or mailbox—it’s the final deposit before the holidays hit full swing. The next check for this group won’t arrive until January 2026, when the new year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) officially kicks in.
Schedule
Every month, the SSA issues payments based on a predictable schedule:
| Birthdate Range | SSA Payment Day |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | Second Wednesday |
| 11th – 20th | Third Wednesday (Dec 18) |
| 21st – 31st | Fourth Wednesday (Dec 25) |
There are exceptions:
- SSI recipients always receive payments on the 1st of each month.
- Retirement beneficiaries who also get SSI receive their Retirement payment on the 3rd.
- Those who started benefits before May 1997 also get paid on the 3rd of every month.
This consistent timing helps millions manage their bills and budgets. And in December, it’s especially helpful as families juggle extra costs like gifts, food, and travel.
Holidays
The SSA doesn’t typically move payment dates unless they land on a weekend or a federal holiday. In 2025, Christmas Day falls on Wednesday, December 25, which is a federal holiday. However, that won’t impact most beneficiaries—only those with birthdates between the 21st and 31st will be affected.
SSA has not announced any changes or early deposits, so it’s likely that those with Dec. 25 as their usual date may see deposits arrive on Dec. 24, depending on their financial institution.
COLA 2026
After December’s payments, the 2026 SSA benefits will reflect the new 2.8% COLA increase. This adjustment, announced in October 2025, is intended to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation.
COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). But here’s the controversy—critics argue that CPI-W doesn’t reflect the true spending patterns of retirees, who spend more on things like health care and housing than working-age individuals.
Still, the 2.8% increase is better than nothing and ensures some boost to SSA checks starting in January 2026.
Budgeting
The end-of-year SSA payments are vital for many, especially during a season when costs can skyrocket. Between rising grocery bills, travel costs, and holiday gift spending, many retirees and disabled Americans rely on their December SSA payment to stay on track financially.
If you’re expecting a check this week, here are a few quick financial tips:
- Prioritize essentials like rent, utilities, and medications before spending on gifts.
- Check with your bank for deposit timing, especially with holidays nearing.
- Don’t expect early deposits unless your payment falls on a holiday.
Even though it’s a joyful time, smart planning makes the season a little less stressful.
FAQs
When is the next SSA payment?
Wednesday, December 18, 2025, for certain birthdates.
Who gets paid on December 18?
Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of any month.
Will SSA payments arrive early for Christmas?
Only if the payment date is a holiday or weekend.
What is the new COLA for 2026?
A 2.8% increase starting with January 2026 payments.
Does COLA reflect retiree expenses?
Critics say it doesn’t match retiree spending habits.
