For millions of Americans, Social Security isn’t just a monthly deposit—it’s the foundation of their entire budget. And as 2025 winds down, December 10 becomes one of the most important dates on the calendar.
That’s the day the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends out checks worth up to $5,108. But not everyone is getting it—only a specific group of beneficiaries will see that deposit hit their accounts.
If you’re wondering what this check means, who qualifies, and why the timing matters, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
Timing
Let’s start with the basics. The December 10, 2025, Social Security payment is part of the SSA’s staggered payment system. If your birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th of any month and you started receiving benefits in May 1997 or later, you’re in the group scheduled to receive their check on that second Wednesday of December.
Why staggered? To avoid overwhelming banks and government systems. Instead of paying everyone at once, the SSA spreads out payments over three Wednesdays every month based on the beneficiary’s birth date.
Here’s how the December 2025 schedule looks:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | Dec 10 |
| 11th–20th | Dec 17 |
| 21st–31st | Dec 24 |
This simple breakdown helps avoid confusion and keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Amounts
Now, about that $5,108—who actually gets that amount? That’s the maximum monthly benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age in 2025 with a long history of high earnings. Most people won’t see that full amount, but the average Social Security retirement check is still around $1,900–$2,100 in 2025.
The $5,108 figure is reserved for top earners who delayed retirement to age 70, maxed out their taxable income for 35 years, and meet all SSA requirements. It’s rare, but not impossible.
Still, even smaller deposits make a huge impact—especially in December when expenses tend to spike. From heating bills and medication to holiday meals and travel, every dollar counts.
COLA
What makes this month’s payment extra meaningful is the COLA, or cost-of-living adjustment, that was applied earlier in 2025. With inflation still making groceries and energy bills harder to handle, that extra bump in benefits helps stretch monthly budgets.
COLA is added every January, but its effects are felt all year. And by December, that little raise can make a difference—especially for seniors, disabled workers, and survivors trying to stay ahead during a costly time of year.
Exceptions
Not everyone gets paid on December 10. Some people follow an entirely different schedule.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Beneficiary Group | December 2025 Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Started benefits before May 1997 | December 3 |
| SSI recipients | December 1 (plus Dec 31 for January check) |
That’s right—if you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’ll get your regular December check on the 1st. But since January 1, 2026 is a federal holiday, you’ll also get your January SSI payment early, on December 31. So SSI recipients are getting two deposits in December.
Groups
The December 10 payout includes several groups—it’s not just retirees. Anyone meeting the birthday and benefit start-date criteria might see a check, including:
- Retired workers
- Spouses of retirees
- Widows or widowers (survivor benefits)
- Dependents
- Disabled individuals receiving SSDI
Basically, if you’re getting Social Security benefits and your birthday falls early in the month, this second Wednesday is a big deal.
For many, this is the last full payment before year-end budgeting and New Year’s bills hit. It’s the financial buffer needed to wrap up the year strong—or at least stay afloat.
Planning
What does all this mean for your wallet?
It means that planning ahead—knowing when your check is coming and how much to expect—gives you the power to make smarter money decisions. Whether it’s paying rent, stocking up on essentials, or setting aside a little for gifts or emergencies, that December 10 deposit might be your most timely one all year.
And with a second SSI payment arriving on December 31, many low-income households will get a head start on January expenses too.
If you’re unsure about your payment date, it’s worth logging into your mySocialSecurity account online or contacting the SSA directly.
The bottom line? December 10 is more than a random Wednesday—it’s a financial checkpoint, a lifeline, and a bit of stability in a month filled with spending stress. And for those receiving up to $5,108, it’s proof that waiting and planning really can pay off.
FAQs
Who gets paid on Dec 10?
Anyone born 1st–10th and receiving benefits since May 1997 or later.
Why two SSI payments in December?
Because Jan 1 is a holiday, the January SSI check comes early on Dec 31.
What’s the max Social Security payment?
Up to $5,108 monthly in 2025 for high earners retiring at 70.
Does everyone get COLA?
Yes, all Social Security recipients receive annual COLA increases.
When is the next payment after Dec 10?
Dec 17, for those born between the 11th and 20th.
