The second wave of Social Security payments for December is scheduled to arrive this week, sending monthly benefits to millions of retirees, disabled workers, and survivors—just weeks before higher checks take effect in January.
Why it matters for Social Security Recipients
Nearly 70 million Americans rely on Social Security each month. Because of the program’s size, the Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments in staggered Wednesday batches rather than sending all benefits on a single day.
December’s payments are also the final checks before a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) kicks in for 2026, boosting monthly benefits by an average of about $56, according to the SSA.
Which Americans get paid this week?
Payments on Wednesday, Dec. 17, go to:
- Beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th of any month
This schedule applies to most retirees and other Social Security recipients who began receiving benefits after May 1997.
How Social Security payment dates work
Social Security benefits—primarily paid to older and retired Americans—are typically issued on Wednesdays, based on a recipient’s date of birth.
Standard payment schedule:
- Born 1st–10th: Second Wednesday of the month
- Born 11th–20th: Third Wednesday of the month
- Born 21st–31st: Fourth Wednesday of the month
Different schedules for some beneficiaries
Some recipients follow a separate timetable:
- Benefits started before May 1997:
Payments are usually issued on the 3rd day of each month, unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday. - Recipients who receive both Social Security and SSI:
- SSI: Paid on the 1st of the month
- Social Security: Paid on the 3rd of the month
The SSA advises allowing up to three business days after a scheduled payment date before contacting the agency if a deposit doesn’t arrive.
Bigger Social Security checks coming in January
After December’s payments, all Social Security and disability beneficiaries will see higher amounts due to the 2.8% COLA taking effect in January 2026.
The increase is based on inflation data from the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) and applies to:
- Retirement benefits
- Spousal and survivor benefits
- Disability benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Upcoming SSI payment dates
According to the SSA’s calendar, upcoming SSI checks will be issued on:
- Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (for January 2026)
- Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 (for February 2026)
- Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 (for March 2026)
For millions of households, this week’s payment marks the last check before higher benefits arrive in the new year.
Stay informed and plan ahead. Social Security remains a lifeline for over 71 million Americans — knowing your payment dates and any upcoming changes is key to staying financially secure.
If you’re unsure about your benefits or need personalized guidance, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
📌 RELATED READS: