Social Security Payments for December 2025 and January 2026: Key Dates and 2.8% COLA Impact

Millions of Americans rely on their Social Security benefits. The payment schedule for December 2025 is now confirmed. These are the final payments before a key change. Retirees will see a cost-of-living adjustment starting in January 2026.

The Social Security Administration follows a strict monthly schedule. Payments are sent on Wednesdays. Your specific birth date determines your payment date each month.

Your December 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule

Social Security benefits are paid out on a rotating weekly schedule. This schedule is based on the beneficiary’s birth date. According to the SSA’s published calendar, December payments will arrive on three Wednesdays.

If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, expect your payment on December 10. Those born between the 11th and 20th will be paid on December 17. Beneficiaries with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st receive their check on December 24.

There is one important exception to this rule. Individuals who started receiving benefits before May 1997 are paid on a different schedule. Their December payment will be issued on Wednesday, December 3.

Understanding the 2026 COLA Increase

The payments in December will be the last at the current rate. A 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect for January 2026. This increase is designed to help benefits keep pace with inflation.

This COLA will raise the average monthly payment. According to Reuters, the typical retiree can expect an increase of about $56 per month. This adjustment is a critical financial boost for fixed-income seniors.

The new benefit amount will first appear in January’s payments. The increase is automatic for all Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. No action is required to receive the adjusted amount.

January 2026 Payment Dates and SSI Information

The new year brings the new payment schedule with the higher COLA amounts. January 2026 payments will follow the same birth-date pattern. The first payments of the increased benefits will go out on January 14.

Payments continue on January 21 for those born from the 11th to the 20th. The final January payments land on January 28 for birthdays from the 21st to the 31st. This schedule provides a clear timeline for financial planning.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follows a slightly different calendar. SSI payments are typically issued on the first of the month. Because January 1, 2026, is a holiday, the payment will be moved up to December 31, 2025.

The confirmed schedule for Social Security payments ensures retirees can budget effectively through the holiday season and into the new year. The upcoming 2.8% COLA provides a welcome financial cushion for millions, directly impacting household finances starting in January 2026.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the COLA increase for 2026?

The COLA for 2026 is 2.8 percent. It will begin with benefits paid in January 2026. The increase applies to both Social Security and SSI payments.

When will I get my first increased payment?

Your first payment with the 2.8% COLA will arrive in January 2026. The exact date depends on your birth date. Check the SSA’s January schedule for your specific payment Wednesday.

Do I need to apply for the COLA increase?

No, you do not need to apply. The COLA increase is automatic. Your benefit amount will be automatically recalculated.

How is the SSI payment affected by the holiday?

The January 2026 SSI payment is issued early because New Year’s Day is a holiday. Recipients will receive their January SSI payment on December 31, 2025.

Where can I find the official payment schedule?

The Social Security Administration publishes its payment calendar online. You can find the official schedule for 2025 and 2026 on the SSA website.