December Social Security Payments: Why SSI Recipients Get Two Checks This Month

Millions of Americans will see an unusual change to their Social Security payment schedule this December. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are set to receive two payments instead of one. This schedule shift is due to the New Year’s Day federal holiday.

The Social Security Administration adjusts its payment calendar when the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday. This ensures beneficiaries receive their funds on time without delay.

Understanding the Standard Social Security Payment Schedule

Regular Social Security payments follow a strict birth-date schedule. According to the SSA, beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th get paid on the second Wednesday of the month.

Those born from the 11th to the 20th receive funds on the third Wednesday. Anyone with a birthday from the 21st to the 31st is paid on the fourth Wednesday. This system provides a predictable monthly income for retirees.

SSI payments operate on a different timeline. They are typically issued on the first day of each month. An exception is made only when that date is a weekend or federal holiday.

The Reason Behind the Double December Payment

December presents a unique case. The regular monthly SSI payment will arrive on December 1. A second, advance payment will be issued on December 31.

This early deposit serves as the January 2026 benefit. Because January 1 is a federal holiday, the SSA distributes the funds early. This prevents any payment delay.

The result is two SSI checks in December. No payment will be issued in January. The next deposit after December 31 will be the February payment, arriving on January 30.

Financial experts advise careful budgeting. The extra December check is not bonus money. It is simply January’s benefit paid early, and recipients should plan their finances accordingly.

This adjusted schedule ensures continuous financial support for vulnerable Americans. Understanding the December Social Security payments helps recipients manage their budgets effectively during the holiday season.

Info at your fingertips

Why am I getting two SSI payments in December 2025?

The second payment is your January 2026 benefit. It is issued early because January 1 is a federal holiday. The Social Security Administration sends it on December 31 to avoid delays.

Will I get an SSI payment in January 2026?

No, you will not receive a separate payment in January. The check you get on December 31, 2025, is designated as your January benefit. Your next payment will be for February, arriving on January 30.

How does this affect regular Social Security retirement payments?

This change only affects Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Regular Social Security retirement payments follow the standard birth-date schedule and are not impacted by this holiday adjustment.

What should I do with the extra December payment?

Financial advisors recommend budgeting the second payment to cover January expenses. It is not additional income but an early disbursement of your next month’s funds to help with holiday timing.

Has this happened before?

Yes, the SSA consistently follows this practice. A similar situation occurred in November, when payments were issued on October 31 because November 1 fell on a weekend. This is a standard annual procedure.