December 2025 Payment Dates and Amounts
Social Security payments in December 2025 follow the standard schedule based on your birth date. If you were born between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment arrives on the second Wednesday of December (December 10, 2025). If you were born between the 11th and 20th, you receive payment on the third Wednesday (December 17, 2025). If you were born on the 21st or later, your payment comes on the fourth Wednesday (December 24, 2025).
The actual dollar amount you receive in December is the same as every other month — your benefit does not change based on the calendar month. However, if you turned 70 in 2025 or experienced a life event like marriage or a change in living situation, your December payment may reflect a recent adjustment. You can check your exact payment amount by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov or calling 1-800-772-1213.
If December 10, 17, or 24 falls on a federal holiday, the Social Security Administration pays you one business day early. In 2025, Christmas falls on a Wednesday, so beneficiaries scheduled for December 24 will receive payment on December 23 instead.
Key Takeaways
- December 2025 payments arrive on December 10, 17, or 24 depending on your birth date, with early payment on December 23 if your scheduled date is Christmas.
- Your monthly benefit amount does not change in December unless you reported a life event or turned 70 earlier in 2025.
- You can verify your December payment date and amount through my Social Security at ssa.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
- If you work and earn over the annual limit, your December benefit may be reduced or withheld — the 2025 limit is $23,400 for those under full retirement age.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments follow a different schedule and arrive on the first of each month or the prior business day if the 1st is a weekend or holiday.
Earnings Limits and Work in December 2025
If you receive Social Security retirement benefits and work, your December earnings count toward your annual limit. For 2025, if you have not yet reached your full retirement age, Social Security withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn over $23,400. The month you reach full retirement age, the limit is higher ($62,160), and only earnings before the month you reach full retirement age count.
This means if you are close to the $23,400 limit by December, a December paycheck could push you over and reduce or eliminate your December benefit. The reduction happens automatically — you do not need to report it. Social Security calculates your annual earnings in January of the following year and adjusts your payments if needed. If you are withheld too much, you receive a credit against future benefits or a refund.
Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn any amount without any reduction to your benefits, even if you are still working.
Changes to Your Benefit in December
If you reported a major life change to Social Security in 2025 — such as marriage, divorce, a change in living situation, or a change in your income or resources — your December payment may reflect that change. Changes typically take effect the month after Social Security processes them, so a change reported in November might show up in your December payment.
If you are a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipient, changes to your living situation or household income can affect your December payment. For example, if you moved in with someone else or your household income changed, your SSI amount may increase or decrease. SSI payments arrive on the first of each month (or the last business day of the prior month if the 1st is a weekend or holiday).
You can report changes to your benefits by logging into my Social Security, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting your local Social Security office. Have your Social Security number and details about the change ready when you contact them.
Medicare Premiums and December Payments
If you pay Medicare Part B or Part D premiums, those amounts are deducted from your Social Security payment each month, including December. Your December payment reflects your current premium amounts. If your premiums changed in 2025, the new amount appears in your December payment.
Some beneficiaries may have access to for the Part B premium subsidy if their income is low enough. If you think you may may have access to, you can contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or your local Social Security office. Premium changes are usually announced in October and take effect in January, so your December payment uses the current year's rates.
Taxes on Your December Benefit
Social Security benefits may be taxable depending on your total income for the year. If your combined income (adjusted gross income plus nontaxable interest plus half your Social Security benefits) exceeds certain thresholds, up to 50% or 85% of your benefits are subject to federal income tax. These thresholds are $25,000 for single filers and $32,000 for married filing jointly.
You can choose to have federal income tax withheld from your Social Security payment. If you want to adjust your withholding for December or any other month, you can file Form W-4V with Social Security. You can submit this form online through my Social Security, by mail, or in person at your local office.
State income tax rules vary. Some states do not tax Social Security at all, while others tax it under the same rules as the federal government. Check your state's tax authority website or ask a tax professional about your state's rules.
If You Did Not Receive Your December Payment
If your payment does not arrive by the expected date, first check your my Social Security account to confirm the payment date. Payments can take one to three business days to appear in your bank account after Social Security processes them, depending on your bank.
If your payment is more than three business days late, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number, the date you expected payment, and your bank account information ready. Social Security can tell you whether the payment was sent and help you trace it if it is missing.
If you receive benefits by check instead of direct deposit, mail delivery can take longer. If your check does not arrive within 10 days of your scheduled payment date, contact Social Security immediately. They can issue a replacement check or switch you to direct deposit, which is faster and more secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my December payment be different because of the holidays?
No. Your benefit amount stays the same in December unless you reported a life change or turned 70 earlier in 2025. The only difference is the payment date — if your scheduled date falls on Christmas, you receive payment on December 23 instead.
What happens if I work extra hours in December and go over the earnings limit?
Social Security withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn over $23,400 in 2025 (if you have not reached full retirement age). The withholding may reduce or eliminate your December payment. Social Security calculates the exact amount in January 2026 and adjusts your payments accordingly. If you are withheld too much, you receive a credit against future benefits.
Can I change my Medicare premium withholding before December?
Yes. You can contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to adjust your Part B or Part D premium withholding. Changes usually take effect within one to two months, so contact them soon if you want the change to apply to your December payment.
Do I need to do anything special to receive my December payment?
No. If you are already receiving benefits, your December payment is automatic. Make sure your bank account information is current in your my Social Security account so the payment reaches you on time. If you have not set up direct deposit, you can do so through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
What if I turned 70 in 2025 — does my December payment change?
Yes. If you turned 70 in 2025 and delayed claiming benefits, your first payment reflects your increased benefit amount. If you already claimed benefits and turned 70, your December payment may include a delayed retirement credit adjustment. Check your my Social Security account or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your new amount.