Millions of Americans will receive their final Social Security payment for December this week, with checks scheduled to arrive on Christmas Eve, according to the Social Security Administration.
The payment marks the third and final wave of December distributions and comes just weeks before a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect in January 2026 — boosting monthly benefits for retirees, disabled workers and survivors nationwide.
Why it matters
More than 70 million people rely on Social Security benefits each month. For many households, December’s final payment helps cover holiday expenses — and it’s the last check before higher benefit amounts begin arriving in the new year.
The SSA says the 2026 COLA will raise benefits by about $56 per month on average, reflecting inflation trends measured earlier this year.
Who gets paid on Wednesday, December 24?
Under the SSA’s staggered payment system, beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month are scheduled to receive their December Social Security payment on Wednesday, Dec. 24.
Here’s how the regular monthly schedule works:
- Born 1st–10th: Paid on the second Wednesday of the month
- Born 11th–20th: Paid on the third Wednesday
- Born 21st–31st: Paid on the fourth Wednesday (Dec. 24 this month)
The payment timing is based solely on the beneficiary’s date of birth, not the month or year they were born.
Special payment rules to know
Some recipients follow different schedules:
- People who started receiving Social Security before May 1997 are typically paid on the third day of each month, unless it falls on a weekend or federal holiday.
- People who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) usually receive:
- SSI on the first of the month
- Social Security on the third of the month
These exceptions remain unchanged heading into 2026.
What changes in 2026?
Starting in January 2026, Social Security checks will be higher due to the 2.8% COLA, the SSA confirmed. The increase is designed to help beneficiaries keep up with rising prices for essentials such as food, housing and healthcare.
In addition to higher payments, the SSA continues to phase out paper checks. Most beneficiaries now receive payments via:
- Direct deposit to a bank account
- Direct Express debit card
The shift is aimed at improving security and reducing delays, according to reporting by USA Today.
Upcoming Social Security payment dates to watch
The SSA has already released its payment calendar so beneficiaries can plan ahead. Key upcoming dates include:
- Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 — Payment for January 2026
- Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 — Payment for February 2026
- Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 — Payment for March 2026
Beneficiaries are encouraged to regularly check the SSA’s official payment calendar to confirm exact deposit dates, especially around holidays.
Bottom line
If you were born between the 21st and 31st, your December Social Security payment is scheduled to arrive Christmas Eve. And while this is the final check of 2025, bigger payments are right around the corner when the 2026 COLA takes effect in January.
Stay informed and plan ahead. Social Security remains a lifeline for over 71 million Americans — knowing your payment dates and any upcoming changes is key to staying financially secure. If you’re unsure about your benefits or need personalized guidance, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.