More than 7 million beneficiaries will receive their payments on December 1, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Most Social Security beneficiaries will receive their regular check in December, although some will receive two checks after not receiving any in November. Let’s say someone was born between December 1 and 10. In that case, they will be paid on the second Wednesday of the month, which is December 10. So, receiving more money this month is practically a mathematical certainty.
This opens the door to a second deposit that will arrive before the end of the month
The fact is that the last monthly check for December will be sent directly from SSI. This deposit will only reach those enrolled in this federal program for people with limited income and resources, adults 65 and older, or people with disabilities. This is part of the regular SSA schedule, but it also opens the door to a second deposit that will arrive before the end of the month. If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, you will be paid on the third Wednesday, December 17th. And if you were born after the 20th, you will be paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month, December 24th, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA) calendar.
Specific dates can be found on the SSA website. Regular Social Security retirement benefits will be issued according to the standard SSA payment schedule. That is: those born between the 1st and 10th of December will receive their benefits by December 10th; those born between the 11th and 20th of December will receive their benefits by December 17th; and those born between the 21st and 31st of December will receive their benefits by December 24th.
Retirement benefits depend on many factors, including age, early retirement, type of work, salary…
So, the reason some beneficiaries may receive two checks is due to the timing. Those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive two checks in December. The December check was issued to SSI beneficiaries on Monday, December 1st. The January check will be issued on December 31st. Since January 1st is a federal holiday for New Year’s Day, the Social Security Administration (SSA) advances the check to the nearest business day; therefore, it’s not an extra payment but a coincidence.
According to the SSA, the current average monthly income is US$717.84; the maximum for an individual is US$967, and the maximum for an eligible couple is US$1,450. On the other hand, the SSA for Retired Workers is $2,009.50; for Disabled Workers (SSDI) it is $1,584.46; and the benefit for Survivors is $1,575.61. It is important to understand that these are general guidelines and that the context and each individual case must be considered. One situation cannot be directly compared to another; that is, one number of years worked cannot be directly compared to another. Retirement benefits depend on many factors, including age, early retirement, type of work, salary, and total years worked.
The SSA reminds everyone that SSI is a need-based program, not based on Social Security contributions
On the other hand, the SSA confirmed that it will apply a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to payments starting in January 2026. For retirees, this translates to an average increase of $56. An increase is always welcome, especially for those with fewer resources. The SSA reminds everyone that SSI is a need-based program, not based on Social Security contributions. In this case, the applicant’s financial situation is taken into account: having limited income and resources; being an adult over 65 years of age; or being a person with a disability. In any case, it is important to seek information on the official SSA website or at a physical office. Having clear information can help avoid mistakes, since, for example, Social Security retirement, survivor, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments follow different schedules. Ultimately, if you have any questions, consult official sources.