Social Security recipients can look forward to another payment this December — and it might be the final check before a cost-of-living boost increases next year’s benefit amount. If you’re counting on your Social Security income, this date matters. Let’s break down who gets paid on December 10, what the requirements are, and how much you can expect to receive.
Table of Contents
Schedule
Social Security follows a pretty predictable schedule, which is good news if you depend on it for your monthly budgeting. Payments are issued on Wednesdays, and the exact Wednesday depends on when your birthday falls.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Birthday Range | Payment Date (Dec 2025) |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | Wednesday, December 10 |
| 11th – 20th | Wednesday, December 17 |
| 21st – 31st | Wednesday, December 24 |
So, if your birthday is between the 1st and the 10th, you’ll get your payment on December 10 — right on time.
Amounts
The maximum Social Security retirement benefit you can receive in December 2025 is up to $4,018. That’s if you’ve earned the maximum taxable earnings for at least 35 years and you delayed retirement until age 70.
Here’s a general idea of how monthly benefits vary:
| Retirement Age | Average Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 62 (early) | ~$2,000 – $2,300 |
| 66-67 (full) | ~$3,000 – $3,600 |
| 70 (max) | Up to $4,018 |
Most retirees won’t receive the full $4,018, but many will still see a decent check — especially with the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) set to kick in starting January 2026.
Boost
Speaking of COLA, this is something every Social Security recipient should know. Each year, Social Security benefits are adjusted to keep up with inflation. This ensures your buying power doesn’t shrink as prices go up.
For 2026, the COLA is set at 2.8%. That means your check in January will be slightly higher than what you’re getting in December. If you currently receive $2,000 per month, your benefit will increase by about $56 starting next month.
Eligibility
So, who qualifies to receive a Social Security payment on December 10?
If you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident who meets the SSA’s criteria, you might be eligible. Here are the most common groups:
- Retired workers aged 62 and older who’ve paid into Social Security.
- Individuals with disabilities under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
- Surviving family members of deceased workers.
- Spouses, including widows or widowers.
- Dependent children of deceased or retired workers.
- Dependent parents of deceased workers.
In short, if you or a family member worked and paid Social Security taxes, you could qualify for some form of benefit.
Requirements
To receive your benefit on time, here are a few basic requirements:
- You must have earned at least 40 credits (about 10 years of work).
- You need to have applied for benefits — they don’t automatically start.
- Your birth date must fall between the 1st and 10th of the month to get the December 10 payment.
- You must have a valid U.S. mailing address or a direct deposit account if you live abroad.
If you’re receiving SSDI or survivors benefits, your payment schedule follows the same birthday-based calendar unless you’re also receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which has a separate schedule.
Dependents
One often overlooked aspect of Social Security is how it supports family members of workers. Here’s who else might be eligible:
| Dependent Type | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Must be at least 62 or caring for a child under 16 |
| Widow/Widower | Can begin benefits as early as age 60 |
| Children | Must be unmarried and under 18 (or up to 19 in school) |
| Parents | Must have depended on the worker for at least half of their support |
These benefits can be a financial lifeline, especially when unexpected life events like death or disability occur.
Planning
If you’re expecting a payment on December 10, make sure your bank account and mailing address are up to date with the Social Security Administration. Any errors can delay your payment.
Also, keep an eye on your mailbox or email inbox for information about the upcoming COLA increase, which should arrive in late December. This notice will tell you exactly how much more you’ll receive starting in January.
Being informed about your Social Security schedule and eligibility ensures there are no surprises. Whether you rely on this money for rent, groceries, or just peace of mind, it’s crucial to stay in the loop.
Whether you’re a retiree, a widow, or a dependent child, knowing when and how much you’ll be paid makes budgeting smoother — especially during the holiday season. And don’t forget, this is the last check before your 2026 COLA boost kicks in.
FAQs
Who gets paid on December 10, 2025?
People born from the 1st to the 10th of any month.
What is the max Social Security benefit?
Up to $4,018 for those retiring at age 70.
When does the COLA increase take effect?
Starting with the January 2026 payment.
Who is eligible for survivors benefits?
Spouses, children, and dependent parents of deceased workers.
Do you need to apply for Social Security?
Yes, benefits do not start automatically.
