The Social Security Administration (SSA) is back at it with another round of monthly payments — and this time, it’s happening right before the holidays. On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, millions of Americans will receive their Social Security benefits as part of the SSA’s fourth and final scheduled payment run for the month.
If you’re wondering whether you’re in this group and how much you might receive, let’s break it all down.
Table of Contents
Purpose
This December 24 payment includes retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor benefits. These payments are vital for nearly 70.4 million Americans and follow a strict schedule based on the recipient’s birth date.
Instead of sending out all payments on the same day, the SSA spaces them across the month. This not only helps manage distribution smoothly but also ensures that recipients get their money consistently — even during busy holiday weeks.
Amounts
So how much will you get? Well, Social Security benefits aren’t one-size-fits-all. Your payment depends on your lifetime earnings, the age at which you started collecting benefits, and other personal factors.
Here’s a quick look at average and maximum benefits as of December 2025:
| Type of Beneficiary | Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Average Retired Worker | $2,013.32 |
| Maximum Retirement Benefit | $5,108 |
These amounts apply to individuals. Married couples who both qualify for benefits may receive more.
Eligibility
Not everyone gets paid on December 24. The SSA uses your birth date to assign payment weeks. This helps prevent system overload and keeps the process running smoothly.
If you were born between the 11th and 20th of any month, you’re scheduled to receive your payment on Wednesday, December 24.
Here’s the full schedule for December 2025:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | Wednesday, December 10 |
| 11th – 20th | Wednesday, December 24 |
| 21st – 31st | Wednesday, December 24 |
Yep, you read that right — those born from the 11th through the 31st of the month will all be paid on December 24. That’s because the fourth Wednesday happens to be Christmas Eve this year, and there’s no fifth Wednesday to split the last group.
Method
If you’re eligible, your payment should arrive via direct deposit, which is the fastest and most reliable method. If you don’t use a bank, the Direct Express debit card is another option — your funds are loaded onto the card automatically.
Paper checks are still used by a small number of people, but they can take a few extra days to arrive, especially around the holidays.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead to January 2026, benefits will get a slight boost thanks to the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). That increase kicks in starting with the first round of payments in the new year. So, whether you’re receiving SSDI, retirement, or survivor benefits, you’ll see a small increase in your monthly deposit starting next month.
The December 24 payment, though, marks the last major disbursement of the year — and it arrives just in time for Christmas.
FAQs
Who gets paid on Dec 24, 2025?
People born between the 11th and 31st of any month.
What’s the average Social Security check?
As of Dec 2025, it’s $2,013.32 per month for retired workers.
How are payments delivered?
Mainly by direct deposit or the SSA Direct Express card.
Why are some people paid on Dec 10?
They’re born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
Will benefits increase in 2026?
Yes, a 2.8% COLA increase takes effect in January 2026.
