Millions of Americans are preparing for the next wave of financial support as the Social Security Administration continues its December distribution schedule. With the holiday season in full swing, these payments are a critical lifeline for retirees and individuals with disabilities managing year-end expenses.2 This week specifically marks a significant date in the payment calendar, ensuring that the final group of retirement beneficiaries receives their funds before the Christmas holiday.3 Additionally, a specific group of recipients is on track to receive a rare “second” check within the same calendar month, a quirk of the 2025 schedule that provides early access to January funds.
Who Receives Payments This Week?
The payment arriving this week, specifically on Wednesday, December 24, targets a distinct group of beneficiaries.5 According to the standard Social Security schedule, this distribution is reserved for retirees and SSDI recipients whose birth dates fall between the 21st and the 31st of any given month.6 Because this payment date coincides with Christmas Eve, the Administration ensures funds are deposited on schedule, allowing beneficiaries to access their money without delay. This serves as the final “birthday-based” wave of the month, concluding the regular retirement benefit cycle for 2025.7
The Phenomenon of the “Second” Check
While retirement beneficiaries follow the weekly Wednesday schedule, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are experiencing a unique “double payment” month. SSI payments are typically issued on the first of the month.8 However, because January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday (New Year’s Day), the federal government does not process payments on that day.9 Consequently, the SSI payment for January is shifted forward to Wednesday, December 31, 2025.10 This means SSI recipients will have received two separate checks in December: one on December 1st (for December) and one on December 31st (for January).11
Understanding the Payment Amounts
It is important for beneficiaries to note that the checks arriving this week—and the SSI payment on December 31—reflect different calculation periods regarding the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The payment arriving on December 24 for retirees still reflects the 2025 benefit rates. The new 2026 COLA increase, which was announced earlier this year, will not apply to retirement checks until the payments made in January 2026.12 However, because the SSI payment on December 31 is technically an advance of the January 2026 benefit, it will include the new COLA increase, giving those recipients a slightly higher amount than their December 1st check.13
Navigating the Holiday Schedule
The holiday season often brings banking anomalies, but the Social Security Administration has kept a rigid schedule to avoid disruptions. The December 24 payment is timed perfectly to arrive before banks close for Christmas Day. Beneficiaries are encouraged to check their direct deposit status early on Christmas Eve to ensure funds have cleared. For those who still receive paper checks, mail delays are possible due to the heavy volume of holiday parcels, making direct deposit a far more reliable option during this period.
December 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
| Payment Date | Beneficiary Group | Key Details |
| December 1 | SSI Recipients | Standard monthly payment for December. |
| December 3 | Pre-1997 / Dual Beneficiaries | For those who filed before May 1997 or get both SSI & Social Security. |
| December 10 | Birth Dates 1st – 10th | Second Wednesday payment wave. |
| December 17 | Birth Dates 11th – 20th | Third Wednesday payment wave. |
| December 24 | Birth Dates 21st – 31st | Arriving This Week (Christmas Eve). |
| December 31 | SSI Recipients | Advance payment for January 2026 (includes COLA increase). |
Budgeting for the Long Gap
For SSI recipients specifically, the “second check” in December can create a budgeting challenge known as the “long gap.” receiving the January payment on December 31 means there will be no additional federal payment in January.15 The next SSI check will not arrive until February 1. Financial advisors often warn beneficiaries to treat the December 31 funds strictly as January’s income, rather than a holiday bonus, to ensure they can cover rent, utilities, and food costs throughout the first month of the new year.16
Changes Coming in 2026
As 2025 concludes with these final payments, eyes are turning toward the changes implemented for 2026.17 Beyond the COLA increase, the Social Security Administration often adjusts earnings limits and tax thresholds. The payment arriving on December 24 is the last retirement check under the old rules. Beneficiaries should review their “My Social Security” account online to see their personalized benefit letter for the upcoming year, which details the exact new dollar amount they can expect starting in January.
FAQs
1. Will the December 24 payment include the new COLA increase?
No. The Social Security payment arriving on December 24 is for the month of December 2025 and will generally be the same amount you received throughout the year. The COLA increase applies to benefits paid in January 2026.18
2. Why are some people getting two checks in December?
This primarily affects SSI recipients.19 Because January 1 is a holiday, the government sends the January payment a day early, on December 31.20 This results in two payments landing in December, but the second one is intended to cover January’s expenses.21
3. What if my payment does not arrive on December 24?
If you expect a direct deposit on December 24 and do not see it, wait 24 hours before panicking. While the funds are sent on time, some local banks may have varying processing times on Christmas Eve. If it has not arrived by the next business day (Friday, December 26), contact your bank or the SSA.
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