December 2025 is unusual for millions of Social Security recipients. This month includes regular payments plus an early deposit for January 2026.
Because January 1 is a federal holiday, the Social Security Administration moves the January SSI payment into December 2025, resulting in two SSI payments during the month.
Understanding your correct Social Security, SSDI, or SSI deposit date is important so you can manage bills, holiday spending, and monthly budgeting confidently.
Full December 2025 Social Security Deposit Schedule
Your exact payment day depends on three main factors:
- Whether you receive SSI, SSDI, Retirement, or Survivor benefits
- When you first started receiving Social Security benefits
- Your birthdate, if you’re in the standard retirement/SSDI schedule
Here is the complete deposit timeline for December 2025:
Social Security & SSI Payment Dates
| Beneficiary Type | Payment Date (December 2025) |
|---|---|
| SSI (Regular Monthly Payment) | December 1, 2025 |
| Social Security (Retirement/SSDI/Survivor) – Received Benefits Before May 1997 | December 3, 2025 |
| Individuals Receiving Both SSI & Social Security | SSI: Dec 1 & SS: Dec 3 |
| Birthdate: 1st–10th | December 10, 2025 |
| Birthdate: 11th–20th | December 17, 2025 |
| Birthdate: 21st–31st | December 24, 2025 |
| SSI (January 2026 Payment Paid Early) | December 31, 2025 |
Why Some People Receive TWO Payments in December
If you receive SSI, you will receive:
- December 1, 2025 payment – for December
- December 31, 2025 payment – early deposit for January 2026
This is not extra money. It simply occurs because January 1 is a federal holiday, so payments cannot be issued on that date.
If you also receive Social Security retirement or SSDI, and you qualify for SSI, you may see:
- Dec 1 – SSI
- Dec 3 – Social Security
- Dec 31 – Early SSI for January
This can look like a triple-payment month, but it is just the timing shift, not increased benefits.
Regular Social Security Payments Follow the Birthday Rule
People who receive Social Security retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits receive checks based on the week of their birthdate:
- Born 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday
- Born 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday
- Born 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
This monthly rhythm remains unchanged in December.
What About COLA Increases?
December 2025 payments will still reflect 2025 benefit amounts.
The 2026 COLA increase begins with January’s benefits.
Because the January SSI payment arrives on December 31, some people will actually see their new higher amount one day early.
When to Contact the SSA About Missing Payments
If your deposit does not arrive:
- Wait three full business days
- Check your bank or Direct Express account again
- Then contact the Social Security Administration
Most delays happen due to processing, weekends, or holiday schedules.
December 2025 is a unique payment month that includes early deposits and the normal Social Security Wednesday schedule.
Whether you receive SSI, SSDI, retirement, or survivor benefits, checking the exact payment date helps you manage holiday expenses and prepare for the upcoming 2026 COLA increase.
Understanding the schedule ensures there’s no confusion when two deposits show up in the same month.
FAQs
Why are there two SSI payments in December 2025?
Because January 1, 2026 is a federal holiday, the January SSI payment is issued early on December 31, 2025, making December a double-payment month.
Does the second payment mean I’m getting extra money?
No. The December 31 deposit is simply January’s payment delivered early. Your total yearly benefits remain the same.
When will I receive my regular Social Security (retirement/SSDI) payment in December?
Payments follow the SSA birthday schedule:
1st–10th: Dec 10
11th–20th: Dec 17
21st–31st: Dec 24