Payment Schedule and Timing for December

Social Security payments in December 2025 follow the standard schedule based on your birth date. The Social Security Administration sends payments on the second, third, and fourth Wednesday of each month — not all at once. If you were born between the 1st and 10th of any month, you receive your payment on the second Wednesday. Birth dates 11th through 20th get the third Wednesday. Birth dates 21st through 31st receive payment on the fourth Wednesday.

For December 2025, this means payments go out on December 10th, 17th, and 24th. If you have direct deposit set up, the money reaches your bank account on those dates. If you receive a paper check, allow extra time for mail delivery, especially during the holiday season. December 24th payments may arrive after Christmas depending on your location and postal service delays.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients receive payments on the first business day of each month. In December 2025, that date is December 1st. SSI and Social Security retirement or disability benefits follow different payment schedules, so if you receive both, you will see two separate deposits.

Key Takeaways

  • December 2025 Social Security payments arrive on December 10th, 17th, or 24th depending on your birth date, with the 24th payment arriving close to Christmas.
  • SSI payments arrive on December 1st, the first business day of the month, separate from your regular Social Security deposit.
  • The 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was announced in October 2024 and affects all December payments going forward.
  • If you work and earn above the annual earnings limit, Social Security may withhold part of your benefit in December and beyond.
  • You can view your exact December payment amount in your my Social Security account online before the payment date.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Impact

The 2025 COLA was set in October 2024 and applies to all Social Security and SSI payments starting in December 2025. This percentage increase adjusts your benefit to account for inflation over the past year. The exact percentage varies year to year based on the Consumer Price Index. Your December payment will reflect this increase compared to what you received in November.

If you have not yet seen your 2025 COLA amount, you can find it in your my Social Security account online or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The Social Security Administration mailed COLA notices in November 2024 to most beneficiaries, but online access is faster. Your notice will show your new monthly benefit amount starting December 2025.

The COLA increase applies to your Medicare Part B premium as well. If you pay Part B premiums, your December payment may be slightly lower than expected because the premium adjustment happens at the same time. This is normal and not an error.

Earnings Limits and Work in December

If you are under full retirement age and still working, Social Security has an annual earnings limit. For 2025, you lose one dollar of benefits for every two dollars you earn above the limit. The limit changes each year. If you expect to exceed the earnings limit in 2025, Social Security may withhold part of your December payment or future payments to account for your annual earnings.

The earnings limit applies only to wages and self-employment income. It does not include pensions, investment income, rental income, or other sources. If you are unsure whether your income counts toward the limit, contact Social Security before December to avoid an unexpected reduction in your payment.

Once you reach full retirement age, the earnings limit no longer applies, even if you continue working. You can earn any amount without a reduction to your benefit.

Medicare Premium Changes for December

Your Medicare Part B premium for 2025 may change in December. The Social Security Administration deducts Part B premiums directly from your Social Security payment each month. When the new premium takes effect in January 2025, your December payment may show a different deduction than November, or your January payment may be adjusted to account for the new rate.

If you have Original Medicare (Part A and B), your Part B premium is deducted automatically. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or other coverage, your premium structure may differ. Check your Medicare Summary Notice or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your December premium amount.

Income-related monthly adjustment amounts (IRMAA) also take effect in January 2025 for some beneficiaries. If your income was higher in 2023, you may pay a higher Part B or Part D premium starting in January. This adjustment may be reflected in your December payment or explained in a separate notice.

Tax Withholding and December Payments

If you chose to have federal income tax withheld from your Social Security benefit, that withholding continues in December. You can change your withholding amount at any time by completing Form W-4V and sending it to your local Social Security office or mailing it to the address on the form. Changes made in December typically take effect in January.

Some beneficiaries do not have taxes withheld and instead pay estimated taxes quarterly or file a tax return at the end of the year. If you are self-employed or have other income sources, you may owe taxes on your Social Security benefits depending on your total income. December is a good time to review your tax situation with a tax professional before year-end.

Social Security benefits may be taxable if your combined income (adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest plus half your Social Security benefit) exceeds certain thresholds. These thresholds do not change year to year, so your tax situation in December 2025 depends on your specific income sources.

Holiday Closures and Customer Service

Social Security offices close on federal holidays. In December 2025, offices are closed on December 25th (Christmas). If you need to reach Social Security during the holiday week, call 1-800-772-1213 on December 22nd, 23rd, or 24th. Online services through my Social Security remain available 24/7, even on holidays.

If you have questions about your December payment, the fastest way to get an answer is through your my Social Security account. You can view your payment history, verify your payment date, and update your contact information without waiting on hold. If you do not have an online account, you can create one at ssa.gov.

Local Social Security offices handle in-person visits by appointment only. If you need to visit an office in December, call ahead to schedule. Walk-in visits may result in long waits or turned-away visitors, especially near the holidays.

Direct Deposit and Payment Method Changes

If you want to change your payment method before December, you must act soon. Changes to direct deposit or mailing address typically take effect within one to two weeks, but processing times can be longer during the holiday season. If you change your direct deposit information in late November or early December, your December payment may still go to your old account or address.

To change your payment method, log into my Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office. Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive your benefit. If you do not have a bank account, you can use a prepaid debit card or other financial institution that accepts direct deposits.

If your payment does not arrive on the expected date, check your bank account first to confirm it was not deposited early. If the payment is truly missing, contact Social Security within three business days. The agency can trace the payment and issue a replacement if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly will my December 2025 Social Security payment arrive?

Your payment arrives on December 10th, 17th, or 24th depending on your birth date. If you have direct deposit, the money reaches your bank on that date. Paper checks may arrive a few days later. SSI recipients receive payment on December 1st, separate from regular Social Security.

Will my December payment be higher because of the COLA?

Yes. The 2025 COLA increase applies to your December payment and all future payments. Your exact new amount is shown in your my Social Security account or in the COLA notice mailed in November 2024. The increase is permanent unless Congress changes the law.

What if I worked too much in 2025 and exceeded the earnings limit?

Social Security will withhold part of your benefit based on your total 2025 earnings. The withholding may happen in December or be spread across remaining months. Once you reach full retirement age, the earnings limit no longer applies and any withheld amounts are credited back to you.

Can I delay my December payment if I do not need it?

No. Social Security payments are sent automatically on your scheduled date. You cannot skip a month or delay a payment. If you do not need the money, you can deposit it in savings or invest it, but you cannot tell Social Security to hold it.

My payment date falls on Christmas Eve. Will it be late?

Direct deposits on December 24th arrive on that date regardless of the holiday. Paper checks may be delayed by postal service holiday schedules. If you are concerned about timing, consider switching to direct deposit or checking your bank account on December 24th to confirm the deposit arrived.