As the holiday season approaches, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has shared details about a special payment schedule for December, including a notable check of up to $1,900 for eligible retired workers. Over 70 million Americans rely on Social Security payments for retirement income, survivor benefits, disability assistance, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each month, the SSA carefully manages payment schedules so beneficiaries know precisely when to expect their funds, with amounts varying based on factors like retirement age, earnings history, and the level of Social Security taxes paid.
December’s Adjusted Payment Schedule for Social Security
While the SSA typically follows a set schedule, December’s holiday calendar has led to a unique arrangement. Social Security checks are issued in four rounds in December to accommodate beneficiaries with different eligibility criteria, such as when they began receiving benefits and their birth dates. Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:
- December 3 (Tuesday) – Retirees who began claiming Social Security benefits before May 1997 will receive their December payment on this date.
- December 11 (Wednesday) – Retirees who began claiming benefits after May 1997 and were born from the 1st to the 10th of the month will receive their check.
- December 18 (Wednesday) – Retirees with post-May 1997 claims, born between the 11th and the 20th, will get their benefits.
- December 24 (Tuesday) – For those who began claiming after May 1997 and were born between the 21st and the 31st, payment will arrive on December 24th instead of December 25th due to the holiday.
For beneficiaries, it’s essential to remember that slight processing delays may occasionally occur, particularly with bank transfers. The SSA recommends allowing three additional mailing days if a check is late. Users can also track their Social Security benefits, access financial statements, and resolve issues by logging into their “My Social Security” accounts.
December Payment Amounts for Retirees
Retirees’ monthly Social Security payments vary based on factors like their Full Retirement Age (FRA), work history, and earnings. The SSA sets a range of potential benefit amounts depending on when beneficiaries begin their retirement:
| Age at Claiming Benefits | Average Payment | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| General Average | $1,900 | – |
| Age 62 | $2,710 | – |
| Age 67 (FRA) | $3,822 | – |
| Age 70 (Delayed Retirement) | $4,873 | – |
These amounts demonstrate the variation in benefits, where waiting until age 70 can yield the highest monthly benefit, while early retirement (age 62) results in smaller payments. In December, retirees can expect to receive their designated monthly payment in time for the holidays.
Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025
Starting in January 2025, beneficiaries will see a modest increase in their monthly checks due to a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), reflecting inflation and cost increases for basic goods and services. The following table illustrates the increase across various categories:
Retirement Benefits (January 2025)
| Age | Monthly Check (2024) | New Check (2025) | COLA Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Average | $1,900 | $1,948 | $48 |
| Age 62 | $2,710 | $2,778 | $68 |
| Age 67 (FRA) | $3,822 | $3,918 | $96 |
| Age 70 | $4,873 | $4,995 | $122 |
Survivor Benefits (January 2025)
| Beneficiary | Monthly Check (2024) | New Check (2025) | COLA Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Average | $1,505 | $1,543 | $38 |
| Individual | $1,773 | $1,817 | $44 |
| Two Children | $3,653 | $3,744 | $91 |
Disability Benefits (January 2025)
| Beneficiary | Monthly Check (2024) | New Check (2025) | COLA Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Average | $1,537 | $1,575 | $38 |
| Blind Recipients | $2,590 | $2,655 | $65 |
| Maximum Payment | $3,822 | $3,918 | $96 |
SSI Benefits (January 2025)
| Beneficiary | Monthly Check (2024) | New Check (2025) | COLA Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Average | $698 | $715 | $17 |
| Individual | $943 | $967 | $24 |
| Couple | $1,415 | $1,450 | $35 |
| Essential Person | $472 | $484 | $12 |
These adjustments ensure that Social Security recipients maintain purchasing power amid rising living costs.
Tips for Social Security Beneficiaries
- Plan for Delays: If your payment is delayed, wait three mailing days before contacting the SSA.
- Stay Informed: Set up a My Social Security account to access statements, view payment history, and manage your account information.
- Evaluate Claiming Age: Those nearing retirement should consider the long-term benefits of delaying retirement, as payments increase significantly with each year past FRA up to age 70.
The 2025 COLA increase and December’s holiday schedule adjustments are part of the SSA’s commitment to supporting beneficiaries. For retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors, these updates offer timely support to navigate end-of-year expenses and changing costs in the new year.
When will Social Security payments be issued in December?
December payments will follow a modified schedule with payments issued on December 3, December 11, December 18, and December 24 due to the Christmas holiday.
What is the average Social Security benefit for 2024?
The average Social Security benefit for retired workers in 2024 is around $1,900, but this can vary based on when the worker began claiming benefits.
How does the 2025 COLA affect Social Security benefits?
The SSA has announced a 2.5% COLA increase for 2025, which means beneficiaries will receive slightly higher monthly checks starting in January to keep pace with inflation.
