December is one of the busiest Social Security payment months, with multiple payout dates for retirees, disability beneficiaries, and SSI recipients. This guide breaks down the full payment calendar so you can easily find your exact check date based on your benefit type and birth date.
How Social Security Schedules December Payments
The Social Security Administration uses a fixed system based on benefit type and birthday. December includes special adjustments due to holidays, which is why SSI beneficiaries receive two payments: one on December 1 and another on December 31 (the January 2026 payment issued early).
Who Gets Paid on December 1 and December 31?
These two dates apply exclusively to:
• All SSI beneficiaries
• Individuals receiving both SSI and Social Security simultaneously
The December 31 deposit is not an extra payment—it is the January benefit sent early because January 1 is a federal holiday.
| Benefit Type | December Payment Date |
|---|---|
| SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | December 1 |
| SSI Early January Payment | December 31 |
| Social Security (Filed Before May 1997) | December 3 |
| Social Security Birthdays 1–10 | December 11 |
| Social Security Birthdays 11–20 | December 18 |
| Social Security Birthdays 21–31 | December 24 |
December 3 Payment: Who Qualifies?
If you receive benefits based on an old payment schedule, you will see your money on December 3. This includes:
• Those who filed for Social Security before May 1997
• People receiving both SSI and regular Social Security
These beneficiaries are always paid at the beginning of the month.
Mid-Month Payments Based on Birthdays
For retirees and SSDI beneficiaries who filed after May 1997, payment dates depend on your birthday:
This is the only bullet-point list in the article
• Birthdays 1–10: Paid on December 11
• Birthdays 11–20: Paid on December 18
• Birthdays 21–31: Paid on December 24
If your payment does not show on the same day, banks may take up to 24 hours to process the deposit.
What to Expect With Direct Deposit and Checks
Most beneficiaries receive payments through direct deposit, typically visible early morning on the scheduled date.
Direct Express card payments can appear slightly later depending on system updates.
Paper checks can take several mailing days and may be affected by holiday delays.
Conclusion: December’s Social Security payment schedule includes several key dates, especially for SSI recipients and those receiving early-cycle checks. By matching your benefit type and birthday to the calendar above, you can easily determine when your December benefit will arrive. Staying informed helps ensure you plan your month with confidence.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on the standard Social Security payment schedule. Actual deposit times may vary depending on banking institutions, federal holidays, and individual SSA adjustments. Beneficiaries should refer to official SSA notices or contact the Social Security Administration for personalized payment details and updates.
