December 2025 is the final month millions of retirees, SSDI recipients, and SSI beneficiaries will receive payments at the 2025 rate. Starting January 2026, the new Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) officially kicks in — meaning bigger deposits for everyone.
Quick History of Social Security & COLA Adjustments
The COLA began in 1975 to protect benefits from inflation. Every year, the SSA looks at the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from July–September and announces the next year’s increase in October. For 2026, that announcement came October 9, 2025.
Why December 2025 Matters So Much Right Now
This month is literally your “last check” before the raise. Many people searching for “stimulus check updates” land here because the COLA feels like free extra money arriving automatically — no application needed!
Exact December 2025 Payment Schedule
Here’s when December money hits accounts:
| Group | Birth Date / Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| SSI Recipients | All | December 1, 2025 (Monday) |
| Before May 1997 | All | December 3, 2025 (Wednesday) |
| 1st–10th Birth Date | December 10, 2025 (2nd Wed) | |
| 11th–20th Birth Date | December 17, 2025 (3rd Wed) | |
| 21st–31st Birth Date | December 24, 2025 (4th Wed) |
Note: Because January 1, 2026 is a holiday, January SSI payments move to December 31, 2025 — a rare double payment month!
How Much Will the 2026 COLA Boost Actually Add?
The official 2026 COLA is 2.5% (announced Oct 2025).
| Average Monthly Benefit (2025) | +2.5% COLA Increase | New 2026 Monthly Amount | Extra Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,920 (retirees) | +$48 | $1,968 | +$576 |
| $1,542 (SSDI) | +$39 | $1,581 | +$468 |
| $967 (SSI individual) | +$24 | $991 | +$288 |
Notable Stats & Records for 2025–2026
- Over 73 million Americans get benefits
- 2026 COLA = 2.5% (lowest since 2023 but still $500+ extra yearly for most)
- Highest COLA ever: 14.3% in 1980
- December 2025 + January 2026 = potential back-to-back deposits for SSI
Smart Tips to Maximize Your Benefits
- Set up direct deposit if you haven’t (faster & safer)
- Check your mySocialSecurity account for your exact new amount
- Mark your calendar — January 2026 checks will reflect the raise
- Use the extra money toward debt, savings, or holiday gifts guilt-free!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the COLA a stimulus check?
A: No, but it feels like one — automatic extra money every month.
Q: Will I get two checks in December 2025?
A: Only SSI recipients get December + January on Dec 31.
Q: When do I see the 2.5% increase?
A: Your very next check in January 2026 (or December 31 for SSI).
Final Thoughts – Get Ready for Bigger Checks!
December 2025 is your last “regular” Social Security payment before the 2026 COLA boost adds real money to every check next year. Bookmark this page, share it with family and friends on benefits, and start planning what you’ll do with that extra $40–$60+ per month in 2026. The raise is coming whether you’re ready or not — but now you’re totally prepared!