Social Security benefits are scheduled to be disbursed on Wednesday, December 10, benefiting millions across the United States. This marks the third payment run in the SSA's December 2025 timeline.
Who will receive a payment on December 10?
On Wednesday, December 10, the SSA will issue payments to certain recipients of retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or survivor benefits. Of the more than 70 million Americans who receive retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits, most are paid on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month. A beneficiary’s assigned Wednesday is determined by the worker’s date of birth, tied to when Social Security taxes have accrued their entitlement.
For December, Wednesday payments cover birthdays from the 1st through the 10th of the month, while December 17 and December 24 cover birthdays from the 11th through the 31st. Here’s a quick snapshot for December’s second, third, and fourth Wednesday payments:
- Born on the 1st–10th: Wednesday, December 10
- Born on the 11th–20th: Wednesday, December 17
- Born on the 21st–31st: Wednesday, December 24
Who won’t be paid on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesdays in December?
- Some long-term Social Security recipients who began retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits before May 1997 typically receive payment on the third day of each month, regardless of birth date. Those long-term beneficiaries were therefore scheduled for December 3.
- SSI beneficiaries (roughly 7.4 million people) generally receive payments on the first of each month. December’s SSI payments were planned for Monday, December 1.
- Dual beneficiaries (SSI plus regular Social Security) total a little over 2.5 million people. They receive SSI on December 1 and the regular Social Security payment on December 3.
Additional December payment dates not tied to a birthday include:
- SSI recipients: Monday, December 1
- Pre-May 1997 Social Security beneficiaries: Wednesday, December 3
- Dual recipients: SSI on December 1; Social Security on December 3
For the full benefits-distribution schedule for 2025, the SSA provides an online calendar, and the agency has published its 2026 schedule as well.
How much do retirement benefits pay on average?
Retired workers, who constitute the largest share of Social Security recipients, receive an average of $2,012.30 per month, according to the SSA’s most recent data. The latest SSA fact sheet covers October figures, with a note that disruptions from the October–November government shutdown likely influenced timing and data availability.
What about disability, survivor, and SSI benefits?
According to the SSA, average monthly payments are approximately:
- Disability (SSDI) benefits: $1,588.44
- Survivor benefits: $1,575.89
- SSI: $717.51
COLA increase for 2026
The SSA has confirmed a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. This translates to roughly a $56 monthly increase for retirement benefits on average. First recipients to see the higher payments will be SSI beneficiaries, with January payments issued on December 31 due to the New Year holiday.
Payment methods
The SSA reports that most beneficiaries now receive funds electronically rather than via paper checks. Available options include:
- Direct deposit: Direct deposits can be set up or updated through the my Social Security online portal.
- Direct Express Debit Card: Beneficiaries without bank accounts can have benefits loaded onto this card.
If more detail is needed, the SSA’s official resources and calendars provide comprehensive year schedules and step-by-step guidance for updating payment preferences.
