Millions of Americans who rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are preparing for an important payment in December. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to send a $967 SSI payment on December 10, depending on your eligibility and payment schedule.
This update is especially important for seniors, disabled adults, and low-income individuals who depend on SSI as their primary monthly support.
Here is a complete breakdown of who qualifies, how much you’ll receive, and why some people may receive two payments in December.
SSI Payment for December 2025- What’s Happening?
The SSA follows a structured monthly calendar for sending benefits. While regular SSI payments usually arrive on the 1st of each month, some recipients receive their funds based on a different cycle, depending on when they first started receiving benefits.
For December, a special schedule applies, and many beneficiaries will see a $967 SSI payment on December 10. The reason is simple:
Recipients who get both SSI and Social Security follow a different mid-month schedule, which places their December 2025 SSI benefit on December 10.
How Much Is the December SSI Payment?
In 2025, the maximum federal SSI benefit is:
- $967 per month for individuals
- $1,450 per month for couples
- $483 for essential persons
Your personal amount may be lower depending on your income, living arrangements, and state-level supplements.
December SSI Payment Schedule Breakdown
Here’s how SSI and Social Security payments fall in December 2025:
| Benefit Type | December 2025 Payment Date | Maximum Amount | Who Gets It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| December SSI Payment | December 1, 2025 | Up to $967 | Regular SSI beneficiaries |
| SSI + Social Security Combined Cycle | December 10, 2025 | Up to $967 | Recipients who receive both SSI and Social Security |
| Early January 2026 SSI Payment | December 31, 2025 | Up to $994 after COLA | All SSI recipients (January payment sent early) |
Why Some People Receive Two Payments in December
This happens because:
- SSI is always scheduled for the 1st of each month.
- When the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, SSA pays early.
- January 1 is a federal holiday, so the January 2026 SSI payment arrives early — on December 31, 2025.
This creates two payments in December, but it is not a bonus. It is simply an early deposit of next month’s benefit.
Who Is Eligible for the $967 Payment?
To qualify for the December 10 SSI payment, you must meet all SSI rules:
1. Income Requirements
You must have low or no income. SSI is strictly need-based.
2. Resource Limits
You must have limited resources:
- Individuals: under $2,000
- Couples: under $3,000
Resources include savings, cash, and other assets.
3. Age or Disability Requirements
You must be:
- 65 or older, or
- Any age with a qualifying disability, or
- Blind
4. U.S. Residency
You must live in the United States full-time, except for very limited situations.
5. Correct Payment Cycle
Those who receive both SSI and Social Security typically get payments on the 10th, which is why the $967 payment is scheduled for December 10.
Upcoming Increase- SSI Payments Rising in 2026
Starting January 2026, SSI amounts increase due to the COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment).
This means:
- Individuals: from $967 → $994
- Couples: from $1,450 → $1,491
Your first check with the higher amount will arrive early on December 31, 2025.
The December SSI schedule can seem confusing, but the key details are simple. If you’re eligible, you could receive up to $967 on December 10, depending on your payment cycle and income rules.
Many SSI recipients will also get a second payment in December, which is actually the January 2026 benefit paid early. With 2026 bringing a COLA increase, beneficiaries will see slightly higher payments starting at the end of the year.
Understanding these updates helps you plan your monthly budget and ensures you receive every dollar you are owed from Social Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will everyone receive the full $967?
No. $967 is the maximum. Your actual payment depends on income, living arrangements, and state supplements.
Why is my December payment coming on the 10th instead of the 1st?
People who receive both SSI and Social Security are placed on the second Wednesday cycle, which falls on December 10.
Why will I get another payment on December 31?
Because January 1, 2026 is a federal holiday, the SSA pays the January SSI benefit one day early, on December 31, 2025.