KEY POINTS
- December 2025 payments follow the regular SSA Wednesday schedule.
- A 2.8% COLA increase begins with January 2026 checks.
- SSI January payments will arrive early due to the holiday.
December’s payments are the last batch before next year’s 2.8% COLA increase kicks in. Find your Social Security payment dates for Dec 2025 and Jan 2026, plus details on the 2.8% COLA increase starting next year.
Everything is going out on the regular SSA Wednesday schedule, so there are no surprises — but the January dates shift a little. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan your month.
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Summary Table
| Month | Birthday Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 1–10 | Dec 10 |
| Dec 2025 | 11–20 | Dec 17 |
| Dec 2025 | 21–31 | Dec 24 |
| Jan 2026 | 1–10 | Jan 14 |
| Jan 2026 | 11–20 | Jan 21 |
| Jan 2026 | 21–31 | Jan 28 |
| SSI | All recipients | Dec 1 (Dec SSI), Dec 31 (Jan SSI) |
December 2025 Social Security Payment Dates
The SSA keeps things simple: your birth date determines your Wednesday payout.
If your birthday falls…
- 1st–10th: You get paid on Dec 10
- 11th–20th: Your payment arrives on Dec 17
- 21st–31st: Your check lands on Dec 24
And if you’ve been getting Social Security since before May 1997, you’re paid earlier — Dec 3.
These December payments are your final checks before the January COLA boost starts.
2.8% COLA Increase Starts January 2026
Once the new year rolls in, your benefits go up by 2.8%.
On average, the SSA says retirees will see an extra $56 per month depending on their benefit amount. Your January payment will be your first check with the new bump added in.
January 2026 Social Security Payment Dates
The schedule stays consistent with the birthday-based approach.
Here’s how January looks:
- 1st–10th birthdays: Paid on Jan 14
- 11th–20th birthdays: Paid on Jan 21
- 21st–31st birthdays: Paid on Jan 28
No early or delayed payments here — only the standard calendar.
SSI Payment Schedule: December 2025 and January 2026
SSI follows its own rhythm.
- December SSI: Paid Dec 1
- January SSI: Paid Dec 31
Why the early January deposit?
- If you rely on SSI, this means two payments fall in December — but one of them belongs to next year.
- Because Jan 1 is a federal holiday, so the SSA sends the money the business day before.
