The holiday season often brings extra financial stress — between gift-buying, travel, and winter bills. That’s why many people rely on timely benefit payments from the Social Security system. This year, an interesting twist means a number of recipients will get their checks on Christmas Eve — and some even see more than one payment in December. Here’s exactly who gets paid when, why the schedule is changing, and what to expect for January.
How December 2025 Social Security Payments Are Scheduled
The standard payment schedule for Social Security benefits — including retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits — depends on your birthday. According to the SSA’s December 2025 calendar:
- Birthdays from 1st–10th → payment on Wednesday, December 10, 2025
- Birthdays from 11th–20th → payment on Wednesday, December 17, 2025
- Birthdays from 21st–31st → payment on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 — that is Christmas Eve
- If you began receiving benefits prior to May 1997, your check comes on Wednesday, December 3, 2025
So, for many beneficiaries, Christmas Eve will be their regular payment day rather than an added bonus.
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follow a separate schedule, and the regular December SSI payment is set for Monday, December 1, 2025.
Why Some People Get an Extra Payment in December — And It’s Not a Bonus
Because January 1, 2026 is a federal holiday, the SSA moves the January SSI payment up — delivering it early on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
This means some recipients — especially people who receive both SSI and Social Security benefits — will get three deposits in December:
- December 1 — Monthly SSI payment
- December 3, 10, 17, or 24 — Regular Social Security/SSDI payment, depending on birthday
- December 31 — Early January 2026 SSI payment
This does not represent extra money. Instead, the January benefit is merely paid early to prevent delays caused by the New Year’s Day holiday.
For this reason, December will function as a “double-payment month” for many beneficiaries — but it is purely a timing adjustment.
What This Means for Beneficiaries Over the Holidays
- If your birthday is between 21 and 31, expect your Social Security or SSDI payment on Christmas Eve, December 24.
- SSI recipients will get two payments in December: one at the start of the month, and one at the very end for January.
- Households receiving both Social Security and SSI may receive three deposits, offering more flexibility during the holiday season.
- These early payments may help with holiday expenses, travel costs, or end-of-year bills — but the total benefit amount remains unchanged.
Additionally, a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) begins in January 2026, meaning the December 31 SSI payment may already reflect the higher benefit amount.
Why the Holiday Schedule Changes Matter (and Why They Exist)
Federal holidays and weekends significantly affect banking operations. Since banks don’t process federal benefits on those days, the SSA shifts deposits to the nearest previous business day to ensure no one experiences a delay.
In most months, these shifts are minor. But when holidays cluster — especially around Christmas and New Year’s — the result can be two or even three deposits in one month.
For retirees, disabled individuals, and low-income households, these changes can be helpful during a time of high spending. And because the additional December payment is simply an early deposit, it doesn’t affect taxes, eligibility, or next month’s benefits.
What You Should Do (or Keep in Mind)
- Expect your Social Security check on December 24 if your birthday falls between 21–31.
- SSI recipients should anticipate two payments: one on December 1 and another on December 31.
- Budget wisely — the early payment is not a bonus and must last through January.
- Remember the upcoming COLA increase starting January 2026.
- If your payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, allow a few business days due to holiday banking delays.
Final Thoughts
December 2025 brings a unique Social Security payment schedule influenced by the holiday calendar. With many beneficiaries receiving deposits on Christmas Eve — and SSI recipients potentially seeing two payments in the same month — this period may offer some financial breathing room for holiday spending.
Remember that these adjusted dates don’t increase your benefits. They only shift when the money arrives. With a 2.8% COLA increase beginning in January 2026, households depending on Social Security may start the new year with slightly higher financial stability.
Plan ahead, stay informed, and enjoy a more stress-free holiday season.