December 10 Social Security Payouts: The December 10, 2025 Social Security payouts are around the corner — and if you rely on Social Security benefits, you’ll want to know what’s coming your way. Millions of Americans depend on these payments each month to cover essential expenses, from rent and groceries to healthcare and utility bills. December is a special month for Social Security recipients — not just because of the holidays, but because it includes a rare double SSI payment, important scheduling changes, and a preview of next year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This comprehensive guide will explain who qualifies, when you’ll receive your money, how much to expect, and what smart steps to take before the year ends.
December 10 Social Security Payouts
The Social Security December 10, 2025 payout marks the start of an important financial month for millions of Americans. Whether you receive retirement, disability, or SSI benefits, understanding your schedule helps you plan better, avoid stress, and prepare for the new year. December is unique: some get two SSI payments, while others see their regular benefit arrive right before the holidays. Combine that with a 2.8% COLA boost for 2026, and you’ve got plenty to look forward to. If you haven’t already, sign up for direct deposit, verify your info on ssa.gov, and keep a small emergency fund. Social Security remains a dependable partner — one check at a time — in helping Americans retire and live with dignity.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Main payout date | December 10, 2025 — for people born between the 1st and 10th of any month |
| Other payment dates in December | Dec 3 (legacy payees), Dec 17 (birthdays 11–20), Dec 24 (birthdays 21–31) |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Two payments: Dec 1 (December benefit) and Dec 31 (January 2026 benefit) |
| Average benefit amounts (2025) | Retirement: ~$2,010/month; SSDI: ~$1,580; Survivor benefits: ~$717 |
| Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) | 2.8% increase begins in January 2026, adding about $56 per month |
| Official source | Social Security Administration Payment Schedule 2025–2026 (PDF) |
Why December 10 Social Security Payouts Are Important?
While most months follow the same general payout schedule, December 2025 is a bit different for three key reasons.
First, it’s one of the few months where SSI recipients get paid twice. Since January 1 is a federal holiday, the first payment of 2026 is moved up to December 31, 2025, effectively giving SSI beneficiaries an early check.
Second, holiday banking schedules and year-end financial closings make it critical for beneficiaries to double-check their direct deposit details. A small mistake could mean waiting until after New Year’s for your funds.
Third, this month acts as a budgeting bridge between 2025 and 2026, as the new COLA increase kicks in starting with January payments.
Who Qualifies for the December 10 Social Security Payouts?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a birthday-based schedule to determine who gets paid when.
If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any month, your payment will arrive on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. This applies to retirees, SSDI recipients, and those receiving survivor benefits.
If your birthday falls later in the month, you’ll get paid later — but still on a Wednesday:
- Birthdays 11–20: December 17
- Birthdays 21–31: December 24
If you started receiving benefits before May 1997, you’re on what’s known as the “legacy schedule.” You’ll receive your payment earlier, on December 3, 2025.
This staggered system helps the SSA distribute payments efficiently while ensuring banks and the U.S. Treasury don’t get overloaded at once.
Understanding SSI: The Double-Check Month
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed for people with low income or limited resources — often seniors, the disabled, or blind individuals. It’s separate from Social Security retirement benefits, though some people receive both.
In December 2025, SSI recipients will receive two payments:
- December 1: The regular monthly payment for December.
- December 31: The advance payment for January 2026, because January 1 is a federal holiday.
This doesn’t mean you’re getting “extra money.” The December 31 payment simply arrives early — but it can help stretch your budget during the holiday season.
If you receive both Social Security and SSI, you’ll get your SSI payment first, followed by your Social Security check on your normal date.
How Much You Can Expect to Receive?
Benefit amounts vary based on your earnings history, how long you worked, and when you started collecting. Here are the average monthly benefits for 2025, according to the SSA:
- Retired workers: about $2,010
- Disabled workers (SSDI): around $1,580
- Survivor benefits: about $717
- Maximum retirement benefit (full retirement age): up to $4,018 per month
For SSI recipients, the 2025 federal base rate is:
- $943/month for individuals
- $1,415/month for couples
Some states offer additional SSI supplements, which can increase your total payment.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026
Here’s some good news: Social Security benefits are set to increase by 2.8% in 2026, thanks to the annual COLA.
That means:
- The average retiree will see about $56 more per month.
- SSI recipients will also receive a small bump in their monthly checks.
COLA adjustments are automatic — you don’t need to do anything. They’re based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W) and are meant to help benefits keep up with inflation.
This will be the largest increase since 2023, giving beneficiaries a little breathing room as living costs continue to rise.
The Full December 2025 Payment Schedule
| Payment Date | Who Receives It |
|---|---|
| December 1 | SSI recipients (regular December payment) |
| December 3 | Beneficiaries who started before May 1997 |
| December 10 | Birthdays 1st–10th |
| December 17 | Birthdays 11th–20th |
| December 24 | Birthdays 21st–31st |
| December 31 | SSI recipients (early payment for January 2026) |
It’s smart to save or plan ahead if you’re getting that December 31 payment, since you won’t get another SSI deposit until February 1, 2026.
Practical Financial Tips for December
1. Verify Direct Deposit Information
With banks and post offices closed for holidays, direct deposit is your safest option.
2. Watch for Payment Delays
If your money doesn’t show up right away, don’t panic. Give it 24–48 hours — sometimes banks delay postings during the holiday rush.
3. Budget for January Early
That extra SSI check in December might look like bonus cash, but it’s not. Plan your January bills ahead so you don’t run short.
4. Review Your Social Security Statement
Each year, check your earnings record and projected benefits. Errors happen, and catching them early can save you thousands in retirement.
5. Plan for Taxes
If your combined income exceeds $25,000 (individual) or $32,000 (couple), part of your benefits may be taxable. You can request voluntary tax withholding using IRS Form W-4V.
How Social Security Keeps America Moving?
Social Security isn’t just a government program — it’s a cornerstone of the American middle class. Created in 1935 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it’s been a safety net for generations of working Americans.
A few fun facts that add perspective:
- The first monthly check went to Ida May Fuller in 1940 — for just $22.54.
- Today, the SSA sends out more than $100 billion in payments each month.
- Over 71 million people receive Social Security or SSI benefits as of 2025.
Despite modern challenges, it remains one of the most trusted government programs in the country — a consistent source of income for seniors, disabled workers, and survivors alike.
Case Study: Planning Ahead with December’s Payments
Let’s take Mary and James, a retired couple from Ohio.
- Mary, born December 6, receives $2,100 monthly from her retirement benefits. Her payment will arrive on December 10.
- James, on SSI, will get his checks on December 1 and December 31.
- They plan their month by using Mary’s check for household bills and saving James’s second SSI deposit for January’s expenses.
By tracking their deposits, verifying their accounts online, and knowing the SSA’s schedule, they avoid overdrafts, late fees, and holiday financial stress.
This kind of planning makes Social Security work smarter — not just harder — for you.
Texas SNAP Payments Set for December 8–14 — Check Payment Dates and Eligibility Criteria
VA Cremation Payouts Revealed: How Much Can Your Family Really Get?
IRS Sets December 18 Start Date for New $2000 Direct Deposit Payments
