The Social Security December 3 payments 2025 will be sent out to specific groups of beneficiaries who qualify under the SSA’s early-month schedule. These payments are part of the second batch for December, and millions of retirees, disabled workers, and survivors will receive their monthly checks tomorrow. This guide explains who gets paid, how much they can expect, and how the SSA distributes benefits.
Table of Contents
Who Receives the December 3 Payment
The Social Security Administration issues early-month payments to long-term beneficiaries who have been receiving retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits since before May 1997. These individuals continue to follow the old payment system, which schedules their deposit on the third day of each month unless it falls on a weekend or holiday. Anyone in this category will receive their deposit on December 3.
SSI Recipients Who Also Qualify
Beneficiaries who receive both Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income are also paid on December 3. Combined recipients follow a different schedule from most retirees. For December, SSI was already paid on December 1, while their Social Security payment is issued on December 3. This separate schedule ensures that dual-benefit recipients do not receive both payments on the same day.
Average Benefit Amounts
The SSA’s latest update provides the most recent monthly averages. Retired workers receive just over two thousand dollars per month, while disabled workers and survivor beneficiaries receive slightly less. These figures reflect September’s data, as government operations were delayed due to the extended federal shutdown that affected reporting systems.
SSI Payment Details
For SSI beneficiaries, monthly averages remain consistent. Individual recipients receive a little over seven hundred dollars per month, while the maximum possible amount for an individual is nine hundred sixty-seven dollars. Couples who qualify jointly may receive up to one thousand four hundred fifty dollars. Some states also provide supplemental SSI funds, which vary by location.
Social Security Benefit Amounts Table
| Benefit Type | Average Monthly Amount | Maximum or Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement benefits | 2,009.50 dollars | Majority of recipients |
| Disability (SSDI) benefits | 1,584.46 dollars | Based on work history |
| Survivor benefits | 1,575.61 dollars | Varies by family category |
| SSI individual average | 717.20 dollars | Max 967 dollars |
| SSI couple maximum | 1,450 dollars | Joint payment |
Benefit Increase for 2026
The SSA has confirmed a 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment beginning January 2026. This increase will boost retirement payments by an average of fifty-six dollars per month. COLA adjustments help seniors maintain purchasing power as prices rise, and the 2026 increase reflects inflation trends across the economy.
December 2025 Payment Schedule
Most beneficiaries are paid on one of three Wednesdays depending on their date of birth. The December schedule is organized as follows:
• Birthdays from the 1st to the 10th: December 10
• Birthdays from the 11th to the 20th: December 17
• Birthdays from the 21st to the 31st: December 24
How Social Security Payments Are Delivered
The SSA now sends nearly all benefits electronically. Paper checks are no longer the standard method. Beneficiaries may choose direct deposit into a bank account by updating their details online or receive funds through the Direct Express Card. The debit card option is designed for individuals who do not have traditional banking access.
FAQs
Who gets Social Security on December 3, 2025?
Anyone who began receiving retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits before May 1997, and people who receive both Social Security and SSI.
When was SSI paid for December?
SSI payments were issued on December 1.
How much will the 2026 COLA increase benefits?
Monthly benefits will rise by 2.8 percent starting in January 2026.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You can receive your benefits through the Direct Express Card provided by the government.
Are paper checks still available?
No, the SSA now uses electronic payments in almost all cases for security and reliability.
