The Social Security Administration (SSA) is preparing to distribute another round of monthly benefits as part of its December 2025 payment schedule. Millions of Americans who depend on retirement income, disability assistance, or survivor benefits are included in this cycle, which marks the month’s third major payout. With more than 70.2 million people receiving Social Security benefits nationwide, the distribution calendar remains a critical part of many families’ household budgets.
The SSA issues payments in a staggered format to manage high processing volumes effectively. Each wave corresponds to the birthdate of the worker whose earnings record is tied to the benefit. The upcoming December 10 payment applies specifically to recipients whose birthdays fall early in the month, forming one of the largest groups in the SSA’s distribution structure.
December’s schedule also plays an important role in preparing beneficiaries for upcoming changes, including the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For millions, this mid-month payment arrives at a key moment as end-of-year expenses typically rise.
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Who Receives Social Security Payments on December 10?
Beneficiaries scheduled for the December 10 payment include individuals receiving retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or survivor benefits. The SSA determines distribution dates by birthdate group, and beneficiaries with birthdays from the 1st through the 10th of any month are paid on the second Wednesday of each month. For December 2025, the date is December 10.
This group represents a significant share of the total beneficiary population. The method is designed to ensure predictability and relieve operational pressure on the SSA’s national system. Payments delivered on December 10 follow the same structure used throughout the year, making it easier for beneficiaries to anticipate their monthly disbursements.
The SSA’s staggered Wednesday payment system divides the month into three distinct weeks of distribution. The table below outlines the schedule for December 2025:
December 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
| Birthdate Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | December 10 |
| 11th–20th | December 17 |
| 21st–31st | December 24 |
Each of these payment cycles ensures that monthly benefits are evenly spaced and efficiently processed nationwide.
Who Is Not Paid on December 10?
Not all Social Security beneficiaries follow the birthdate-based payment structure. Some groups remain on earlier schedules due to their enrollment year or participation in different SSA programs.
One major group includes beneficiaries who began receiving retirement, disability, or survivor benefits before May 1997. These individuals continue to accept payments on the 3rd day of each month, meaning their December payment was issued on Wednesday, December 3. This fixed schedule remains unchanged to maintain consistency for long-term recipients.
The Social Security Administration announced Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive two checks in December on Dec. 1 and Dec. 31, in addition to their regular Social Security benefit check. The regular check will be sent either on Dec. 10, 17 or 24, depending on the… pic.twitter.com/hx0xXxRUKG
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) November 29, 2025
Another category includes Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. The SSI program, which provides assistance to individuals with limited income or resources, pays its nearly 7.4 million recipients on the first day of each month. For December 2025, this meant payments were issued on Monday, December 1.
A third group, known as dual beneficiaries, those who qualify for both SSI and Social Security, receive separate payments from each program. Their December schedule delivered SSI on December 1 and Social Security benefits on December 3.
The table below summarizes payment timelines for non-Wednesday groups:
Early December Payment Dates for Special Beneficiary Groups
| Beneficiary Category | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| SSI Recipients | December 1 |
| Pre-May 1997 Social Security | December 3 |
| Dual Beneficiaries | SSI on Dec. 1; SSA on Dec. 3 |
These variations ensure that each group receives its benefits consistently within the month.
Current Average Social Security Benefit Amounts
The SSA’s most recent data, as of October 2025, provide insight into the average monthly benefit amounts across its major programs. Retired workers receive an average of $2,012.30 per month, making it the largest beneficiary category in the Social Security system. The average benefit reflects a combination of lifetime earnings, total work credits, and the age at which benefits were claimed.
Workers receiving SSDI benefits collect an average monthly payment of $1,588.44, while survivor beneficiaries receive approximately $1,575.89. These amounts reflect the worker’s past earnings and the beneficiary’s family structure.
Supplemental Security Income, which is funded through general federal revenue rather than payroll taxes, provides significantly lower average payments of about $717.51 per month. SSI amounts vary based on income, living arrangements, and other eligibility factors.
These benefit averages help illustrate the diverse financial needs and coverage levels of Americans relying on SSA programs.
COLA Increase Coming in 2026
The SSA has announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation. The increase will raise the average retired worker’s monthly benefit by approximately $56. SSDI, survivor benefits, and SSI payments will also rise accordingly.
SSI beneficiaries will receive the first COLA-adjusted payment early, on December 31, 2025, due to the January 1 federal holiday. All other Social Security beneficiaries will see the increase applied to their January 2026 payments.
How the SSA Sends Payments Each Month
The SSA primarily relies on electronic transfers to deliver monthly benefits securely and quickly. Most beneficiaries use direct deposit, which sends funds straight into their bank accounts on their assigned payment date. This method reduces delays and avoids issues associated with paper checks.
Beneficiaries without a bank account can receive payments through the Direct Express Debit Card. This card allows users to withdraw cash, make purchases, and manage funds without maintaining a traditional bank relationship. Both methods ensure consistent access to monthly benefits.
FAQs
What determines who gets paid on December 10?
Payments on December 10 go to beneficiaries whose linked birthdates fall between the 1st and 10th of any month. This schedule applies to retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits.
Why do some people get paid earlier in December?
Pre-May 1997 beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and those receiving both SSI and Social Security follow fixed schedules that issue payments on December 1 or December 3.
How much do Social Security recipients receive on average?
Retired workers receive an average of $2,012.30 monthly. SSDI workers average $1,588.44, survivors average $1,575.89, and SSI recipients receive roughly $717.51.
When will the COLA increase take effect?
The 2.8% COLA increase will apply to January 2026 payments, with SSI beneficiaries receiving the adjusted amount early on December 31, 2025.
How does the SSA deliver payments?
Most payments are sent via direct deposit, while individuals without bank accounts can receive funds through the Direct Express Debit Card.