SSI Payments, Two Social Security Payments for December — Plus Early January Check With a 2.8% Raise and SSDI Deposit Timeline
SSI beneficiaries receive two payments in December 2025: your December check arrives Monday, December 1, and your January 2026 payment comes early on Wednesday, December 31. The second payment includes a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment that increases the maximum SSI benefit from $967 to $994 per month.
After December 31, you won’t receive another SSI payment until February 1, 2026—making December’s budgeting critical.
December 2025 SSI Payment Dates
Here are the exact SSI payment dates for December 2025 and early 2026:
- December 1, 2025 – December 2025 SSI payment
- December 31, 2025 – January 2026 SSI payment (includes 2.8% COLA increase)
- January 30, 2026 – February 2026 SSI payment
- February 27, 2026 – March 2026 SSI payment
The January payment arrives early because January 1 is New Year’s Day, a federal holiday. SSI payments are scheduled for the first of each month, but when that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments shift to the last business day of the previous month.
Why You’re Getting Two Checks in December
This isn’t a bonus payment or mistake. The SSA has used this payment calendar system for decades to ensure beneficiaries receive funds before the new month begins when scheduled payment dates fall on weekends or holidays.
The December 31 payment is your January 2026 benefit, paid early so you don’t face potential expenses without access to funds. You won’t receive another SSI payment after December 31 until February 1, 2026.
December 31 Payment Includes Your 2.8% COLA Increase
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% COLA increase for 2026, affecting nearly 7.5 million SSI recipients. The federal SSI benefit rate increases from $967 to $994 per month for individuals, and from $1,450 to $1,491 for couples.
For SSI recipients, the COLA boost already appears in the early payment you receive on December 31. The increase adds roughly $56 more per month for the average beneficiary, or about $672 more per year.
Social Security Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano stated: “Social Security is a promise kept, and the annual cost-of-living adjustment is one way we are working to make sure benefits reflect today’s economic realities.”
How SSI Payment Timing Works
Supplemental Security Income payments come on the first of each month. Unlike Social Security retirement benefits that are paid based on birth dates throughout the month, SSI follows a simpler schedule.
If you received Social Security before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI, your Social Security is paid on the 3rd and SSI on the 1st.
When the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the SSA moves your payment to the previous business day. This scheduling rule creates months where you receive two SSI payments—but each payment represents a single month’s benefit.
Payment Delivery Methods: Electronic Only
Starting September 30, 2025, the SSA no longer issues paper checks for benefit payments. Federal law mandates that all federal benefit payments—including SSI—be made electronically.
You receive SSI payments through:
Direct Deposit – Funds go directly into your checking or savings account and are available as soon as business opens on your payment date.
Direct Express Card – A safe and convenient prepaid debit card option for those without a bank account.
You can sign up for direct deposit online through your my Social Security account, through Treasury’s Go Direct website at 1-877-874-6347, or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
What SSI Covers and Who Qualifies
Supplemental Security Income provides benefits for those with limited or no income or resources, those aged 65 or older, and those who are blind or have a qualifying disability.
SSI differs from Social Security retirement benefits. While Social Security is based on your work history and earnings, SSI is a needs-based program administered by the SSA to assist individuals with financial hardship.
Children with a qualifying disability are eligible for SSI. The program serves approximately 7.5 million Americans, including low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and blind individuals.
December Budgeting: Plan for a Long Gap
The December payment schedule creates a unique budgeting challenge. With your January payment arriving December 31, you must make that deposit last through the entire month of January.
After receiving your payment on December 31, your next SSI deposit won’t arrive until February 1, 2026—a gap of 32 days instead of the typical 30-31 days between payments.
Financial experts recommend splitting your December 31 payment into weekly amounts to ensure funds last through January. Set aside money for rent, utilities, and essential expenses due in early January immediately after receiving the December 31 deposit.
What To Do If Your December Payment Is Late
If your electronic payment is late, reach out to your bank or financial institution first. The SSA advises allowing three additional mailing days before contacting Social Security if you don’t receive your payment on the expected date.
However, since all payments are now electronic, delays should be rare. Banking processing times vary, so check with your financial institution if your deposit doesn’t appear when expected.
If the money still hasn’t arrived, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or get in touch with your local SSA office.
Check Your Payment Status Online
You can check your payment status through your Social Security Account at ssa.gov. Sign in with your LOGIN.gov or ID.me credentials, navigate to Benefits, select SSI, and view details on previous and upcoming payouts.
The my Social Security online portal provides:
- Your benefit payment amounts
- Payment dates and deposit information
- COLA notices and benefit statements
- Direct deposit management
- Claims status updates
Difference Between SSI and Social Security
Many people confuse SSI with Social Security retirement benefits, but they’re distinct programs with different payment schedules.
Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits are paid on the 3rd of the month (for those who filed before May 1997) or on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday based on birth date.
SSI payments always come on the 1st of the month, regardless of your birth date or when you applied.
If you receive both Social Security and SSI, your Social Security is paid on the 3rd and SSI on the 1st.
Frequently Asked Questions About December 2025 SSI Payments
When does my December SSI payment arrive?
December 1, 2025.
Why am I getting two SSI payments in December?
You receive two payments because January 1 is a federal holiday, so your January payment comes early on December 31.
Does the December 31 payment include my COLA increase?
Yes, the 2.8% COLA increase is included in your December 31 payment.
How much is the 2.8% COLA increase?
The maximum SSI benefit increases from $967 to $994 per month for individuals, and from $1,450 to $1,491 for couples.
When is my next payment after December 31?
February 1, 2026. You won’t receive a payment in January since it was paid early on December 31.
Can I still receive paper checks?
No, starting September 30, 2025, the SSA no longer issues paper checks for benefit payments.
How do I sign up for direct deposit?
Sign up online through your my Social Security account, through Treasury’s Go Direct website, or call 1-877-874-6347.
What if I don’t have a bank account?
Use the Direct Express Card, a prepaid debit card option for those without a bank account.
What should I do if my December payment doesn’t arrive? Contact your bank first to check for processing delays, then call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if the issue persists.
Key Takeaways for SSI Beneficiaries
December 2025 brings two SSI payments, but careful planning is essential. Your December 1 payment covers December expenses, while your December 31 payment—including the new 2.8% COLA increase—must last through all of January.
Mark your calendar for these dates, verify your direct deposit information is current, and budget accordingly for the longer gap between your December 31 payment and your next deposit on February 1, 2026.
For official SSI information, payment schedules, and benefit details, visit ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
This article provides general information about SSI payment schedules and should not be considered legal or financial advice. For questions about your specific SSI benefits, contact the Social Security Administration directly.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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