President Donald Trump has issued a new executive order giving federal employees extra days off during the 2025 holiday season. As part of this order, Social Security Administration (SSA) offices will close not only on the usual December 25 holiday but also on December 24 and 26. Combined with the weekend, that’s a five-day stretch without face-to-face services.
If you’re one of the 70 million Americans who rely on Social Security, you might be wondering—will your benefits be delayed? What services are still available? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
Order
Trump’s executive order, signed on December 18, 2025, expands the federal holiday schedule to include two additional days—Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24) and the day after Christmas (Friday, December 26). The goal, according to the White House, is to thank federal employees for their service.
It’s a feel-good move for workers—but for those needing critical government services, it means delays and planning ahead.
Closures
Here’s a quick look at the holiday closure schedule for SSA offices:
| Date | Day | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 24, 2025 | Wednesday | Closed (New holiday) |
| Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday | Closed (Federal holiday) |
| Dec 26, 2025 | Friday | Closed (New holiday) |
| Dec 27–28, 2025 | Weekend | Closed (Normal weekend) |
| Dec 29, 2025 | Monday | Offices reopen |
That’s five straight days without access to in-person or phone-based services. SSA offices will reopen on Monday, December 29—but you can expect long wait times that day.
Impact
So, how will this affect you if you’re a Social Security beneficiary?
The good news: your benefits are safe. Here’s what you need to know.
Payments
Direct deposits and electronic transfers will not be delayed. Payments are processed by the Treasury Department’s automated systems, not individual SSA offices. So, if your check is scheduled to arrive during the holiday closure, you’ll still get it on time.
This applies to:
- Retirement benefits
- Disability (SSDI) payments
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Survivor benefits
In short, your money is still coming—even if offices are closed.
Services
Where things get tricky is with in-person and phone-based services. Anything that requires a representative will be paused during the closure. That includes:
- Applying for new benefits
- Requesting replacement Social Security cards
- Reporting changes (address, marital status, etc.)
- Updating or verifying information for legal purposes
- Scheduling phone appointments or appeals
Also, if you had planned to resolve an issue over the phone or in person, you’ll need to wait until December 29—or use the online portal if possible.
Backup
The SSA’s website, ssa.gov, remains your best tool during the closure. You can still:
- Create or access your My Social Security account
- Request a benefit verification letter
- Estimate your future benefits
- Apply for retirement or Medicare
- Update your personal information (limited options)
If you have any urgent tasks, try completing them before December 24 to avoid delays. And if it’s not urgent, you may want to wait until after the holiday rush dies down.
Crowds
Expect December 29 to be a hectic day. After five days of no service, millions of people may be calling, visiting, or trying to reschedule appointments. Hold times will likely be longer, and online traffic may spike.
If you absolutely need to visit a local SSA office, get there early—and consider making an appointment online ahead of time, if available.
FAQs
Will Social Security payments be delayed?
No, direct deposits and payments will be processed as usual.
Which days are SSA offices closed?
Offices are closed Dec 24, 25, 26 and the weekend (Dec 27–28).
Can I apply for benefits online during closure?
Yes, online tools like My Social Security are still available.
What services are paused during closure?
In-person visits, phone support, and card requests are paused.
When will SSA offices reopen?
They’ll reopen on Monday, December 29, 2025.
