Social Security benefits are on the way again, and if you’re a certain type of recipient, you might be getting your payment as early as Wednesday, December 3.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out its second round of December payments, and this one targets some very specific groups of beneficiaries. Wondering if you’re one of them? Let’s walk through everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
Recipients
So, who’s getting a check on Wednesday, Dec. 3? This round of payments isn’t for everyone. The money is going out to two groups in particular:
1. Long-time beneficiaries
If you started getting Social Security retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or survivor benefits before May 1997, you’re due for a payment on December 3. These recipients always get their money at the beginning of the month.
2. Dual benefit recipients
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits, you’ll also be getting your second check on Dec. 3. That’s because the SSI portion went out on Monday, Dec. 1, and the second part comes a couple of days later.
Amounts
How much can you expect in your bank account? Here’s what the average payment looks like, based on the SSA’s latest data (note: no updated stats yet due to the recent government shutdown):
| Benefit Type | Average Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Retired Workers | $2,008.31 |
| SSDI (Disabled Workers) | $1,582.95 |
| Survivor Benefits | $1,575.30 |
| SSI (Individuals) | $717.87 |
| SSI (Max Individual) | $967 |
| SSI (Eligible Couples) | $1,450 |
If you’re on SSI, some states add a supplemental payment, which bumps up your benefit. You can check the SSA website to see if your state offers this extra boost.
Increase
Starting January 2026, you’ll see more money in your monthly check. That’s thanks to the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The SSA has announced a 2.8% increase, which means:
- Retirees will see about $56 more per month on average
- All other beneficiaries will see similar proportional increases based on their current benefit amounts
It may not sound like much, but it helps keep up with inflation.
Schedule
Don’t see your payment yet? Don’t worry—most people get their Social Security money based on their birth date. Here’s the December 2025 payment schedule for the rest of the month:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th of month | Weds., Dec. 10 |
| 11th–20th of month | Weds., Dec. 17 |
| 21st–31st of month | Weds., Dec. 24 |
That means if you’re not in the pre-May 1997 or dual-benefits group, you’ll likely get your payment on one of these three Wednesdays, depending on your birth date.
Methods
The days of paper checks are just about over. As of late September, the SSA says almost all benefits are sent electronically. You have two main options:
Direct Deposit
If you’ve shared your bank account details with SSA, your payments go directly into your account each month. It’s fast and reliable.
Direct Express Card
If you don’t have a bank account, you can receive your benefits on the Direct Express Card, which works like a debit card. No banking required.
You can update or check your payment method anytime through the “my Social Security” online portal.
Social Security recipients have a lot to keep track of, especially with split payment dates, birth-date-based schedules, and updated cost-of-living increases. If you’re receiving your money on Dec. 3, you’re part of a specific group of early-month recipients—either longtime beneficiaries or those getting dual benefits.
As we move toward 2026, expect a modest raise in your checks thanks to COLA. And remember—no more paper checks, so make sure your direct deposit or Direct Express setup is good to go.
FAQs
Who gets Social Security on Dec. 3?
Long-term and dual-benefit recipients get paid on this date.
How much is the average Social Security check?
Retired workers average $2,008.31 per month as of last update.
What is the 2026 COLA increase?
Social Security checks increase by 2.8% starting January 2026.
How do I get my Social Security payment?
Via direct deposit or Direct Express debit card.
When is the next Social Security payment?
Depends on your birth date: Dec. 10, 17, or 24.
