December Social Security check is the last before COLA hits — here’s when your money arrives

The Social Security check in December will be the last one before next year’s increase. Next year, Social Security payments will go up by 2.8% because of inflation. From now on, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send all payments electronically. Paper checks stopped in September 2025.

The SSA wants to reduce in-person office visits by 50% in 2026. SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said Social Security keeps its promises, and the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) helps benefits match today’s economy, as per the report by Daily Express US. He also said COLA is very important for Social Security to do its job.

Social Security payment dates in December depend on your birthday:

• Born between 1st–10th: Dec. 10
• Born between 11th–20th: Dec. 17
• Born between 21st–31st: Dec. 24

Only people with birthdays between the 11th and 20th will get their payment on Dec. 17. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients get two payments this month: the first on Dec. 1 and the second on Dec. 31, as per the report by Daily Express US. People who received Social Security before May 1997, or those getting both Social Security and SSI, were paid on Dec. 3.

The highest Social Security payout depends on the age you start taking benefits:

• Age 62: $2,831 per month
• Full retirement age (66–67): $4,018 per month
• Age 70: $5,108 per month

To estimate your own benefits, you can create a personal account on the official SSA website.

FAQs

Q1. When will December Social Security checks arrive?

December Social Security payments come on different Wednesdays depending on your birthday: 10th, 17th, or 24th.

Q2. How much will Social Security increase in 2025?

Social Security benefits will go up by 2.8% next year due to the cost-of-living adjustment.