December is a month of increased expenses for many Americans, and for millions who depend on Social Security benefits, the arrival of their payment is a crucial event. The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a structured schedule to ensure these vital funds are delivered smoothly. A significant payment date in December 2025 is Wednesday, December 10th, marking the disbursement for a specific group of beneficiaries, including the year’s maximum benefit amount.
This article explains the December 10th payment, who is eligible, the complete payment schedule for the month, and the importance of the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
Who Receives Their Payment on December 10, 2025?
The December 10th payment is not for all beneficiaries. It is specifically for those who fall under the SSA’s modern payment schedule, which is based on two factors:
- Benefit Start Date: You must have started receiving Social Security benefits in or after May 1997.
- Birth Date: Your birth date must fall between the 1st and 10th of any month.
If you meet both criteria, your Social Security payment (including Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) will be deposited on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Eligible beneficiaries include:
- Retired workers
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients
- Survivors (widows, widowers, and dependents of deceased workers)
Understanding the Maximum Benefit: The $5,108 Figure
You may have seen references to a $5,108 Social Security check. This figure represents the maximum possible benefit for an individual who retired at full retirement age in 2025. It is not a universal amount.
- Why is it so high? This maximum amount is received by individuals who had consistently high earnings over a 35-year career and delayed claiming benefits until their full retirement age.
- The Role of COLA: The 2025 amount includes the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The COLA is calculated based on inflation data to help benefits maintain their purchasing power against rising costs for essentials like food, utilities, and healthcare.
- Most people receive less: The average benefit is significantly lower. The exact amount any individual receives is based on their lifetime earnings history and the age at which they claimed benefits.
Complete December 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
To avoid confusion, here is the full schedule for all Social Security and SSI payments in December 2025. Payments are typically made on Wednesdays, with the specific date determined by your birth date or program type.
December 2025 Payment Schedule
| Payment Date | Who Receives Payment? | Condition / Birth Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, December 1, 2025 | All SSI Recipients | This is the standard SSI payment date for December. |
| Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | Social Security Recipients (Older Schedule) | For those who started receiving benefits before May 1997. |
| Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | Social Security Recipients | Birth date falls between the 1st and 10th of any month. |
| Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | Social Security Recipients | Birth date falls between the 11th and 20th of any month. |
| Wednesday, December 24, 2025 | Social Security Recipients | Birth date falls between the 21st and 31st of any month. |
| Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | All SSI Recipients | Early January 2026 SSI Payment. Because January 1 is a holiday, SSI for January is paid on the last business day of December. |
Important Note: Recipients who also receive SSI will get two payments in December: their regular payment on the 1st and their early January payment on the 31st. They will not receive a payment in early January 2026.
Why December Payments Are So Critical
The arrival of Social Security funds in December holds particular significance for beneficiary households.
- Seasonal Expenses: The month often brings higher costs for heating, holiday travel, gatherings, and other seasonal needs.
- Year-End Planning: The payment helps cover essential bills like rent, utilities, and medications, allowing for a more stable transition into the new year.
- COLA in Action: For many, the December check is one of the first to fully incorporate the new year’s COLA increase, providing a tangible boost to address ongoing inflation.
How to Get Accurate Information About Your Benefits
For personalized and authoritative information, always refer to official sources:
- Check Your “my Social Security” Account: This is the most reliable way to see your exact benefit amount and payment schedule. Create or log in at SSA.gov/myaccount.
- Contact the SSA Directly: You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Visit a Local Office: Schedule an appointment at your nearest Social Security office for in-person assistance.
Understanding the payment schedule and the factors that determine your benefit amount is key to effective financial planning. For those who rely on this program, these payments are more than just transactions—they are a foundational part of monthly security and peace of mind.
