Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefit payments as a main source of income during the December 2025 holiday season. The current economic outlook, with a moderate inflation and a recent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), come with payments and the future increases over all the payments.
This month’s disbursement Social Security schedule is structured to ensure that funds are delivered promptly to all beneficiaries. Let’s understand together the specific dates and expected amounts allows for a more effective budgeting during a period characterized by increased spending on gifts, travel, and celebrations.
Social Security December 2025 Payments
The payment schedule begins with the distribution of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) funds on December 1. This program is designed to help low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or have a disability.
Following this, Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability benefits are distributed based on the beneficiary’s birthdate. Individuals born between the 1st and 10th of any month will receive their payment on Wednesday, December 10. Those with birthdates between the 11th and 20th will receive their funds on Wednesday, December 17.
Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month will see their money deposited on Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve). This payment will not be moved because the 24th is not a holiday.
Maximum Social Security Benefits: What to Expect
The amounts beneficiaries can expect vary depending on the type of benefit and individual circumstances. For retirement benefits, the maximum monthly amount for 2025 has been set at $5,108. This amount is reserved for workers who chose to delay claiming their benefits until age 70.
This delay allows for the accumulation of late retirement credits, which can increase the monthly payment by up to eight percent per year beyond the full retirement age (FRA). For most people born in 1960 or later, the full retirement age is 67.
Those who apply for the benefit upon reaching FRA can receive a maximum of $4,018 per month. On the other hand, those who begin receiving payments at the early age of 62 can receive as little as $2,831 per month.
All these figures incorporate the 2.5% COLA increase that was applied in December as the last month with these amounts.
Average Social Security Benefits
The average monthly retirement benefit, according to August 2025 data, was $2,008.31. This average represents a slight increase from the beginning of the year, a change attributed to the inclusion of new retirees with higher income histories in the system.
This average translates to an approximate annual income of $24,100, which underscores the program’s role as a supplement to other sources of income for many older adults.
Other Social Security Benefits Figures
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, the maximum federal amounts are more standardized. During 2025, eligible individuals could receive up to $967 per month. Couples who qualify for the program have a maximum benefit set at $1,450 per month.
These amounts is the base federal benefit, but many states add supplemental payments. The value of these state supplements varies widely, from a few dollars in some jurisdictions to more than two hundred dollars in states like California or New York.
Unlike retirement benefits, SSI is based on financial need and does not require a prior work history to qualify. This makes it an essential support for approximately 7.5 million Americans facing severe financial hardship.
The average SSI Payment
The actual average SSI payment, however, tells a more modest story. As of August 2025, the average monthly payment was $717.84. This average varies significantly depending on the recipient’s demographic group.
Those under 18 received an average of $813, often reflecting higher needs for medical and educational support. Adults 65 and older, on the other hand, could receive an average of around $600, an amount frequently reduced by other sources of income, such as modest pensions or family assistance.
The gap between the maximum and average payments underscores the impact of the program’s strict resource limits. Individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in assets, or $3,000 for couples, to remain eligible. Some analysts argue that these limits may discourage long-term saving.
The COLA 2026 Now Announced
The Social Security Administration has already announced a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment for 2026, which will take effect in January. This increase will raise all benefit amounts. For retirement beneficiaries, this adjustment could add approximately $56 to the average check.
For SSI beneficiaries, the new federal maximums would rise to $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples. This adjustment is based on inflation data collected during the third quarter of 2025.
