As the holiday season nears, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has outlined its December payment schedule and announced a new check amount averaging $1,900 for eligible retired workers. This month’s payments include a unique timing adjustment due to the Christmas holiday. The SSA, responsible for disbursing monthly payments to over 70 million beneficiaries—including retirees, disabled individuals, survivors, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients—has a set schedule to ensure beneficiaries receive payments promptly.
Here’s a breakdown of the key dates, eligibility, and payment details for Social Security beneficiaries this holiday season, as well as information on 2025’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase.
Social Security Payment Schedule for December 2024
For December, SSA’s schedule includes four payment rounds. Normally, these payments occur on the third day of the month and on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays. However, with Christmas Day falling on the fourth Wednesday, SSA will issue the December 25th payment a day early, on December 24th.
December Payment Dates
- December 3rd (Tuesday): Beneficiaries who claimed benefits before May 1997.
- December 11th (Wednesday): Beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th who claimed benefits after May 1997.
- December 18th (Wednesday): Beneficiaries born between the 11th and the 20th who claimed benefits after May 1997.
- December 24th (Tuesday): Beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st who claimed benefits after May 1997.
If payments do not arrive on the specified date, SSA advises waiting three business days before contacting them, as delays may be due to bank processing times. Beneficiaries can also use their “My Social Security” account to view statements and access related services.
Social Security Benefit Amounts for December 2024
Retirement Benefits
Monthly benefit amounts depend on various factors, including full retirement age (FRA), the number of years worked, and lifetime Social Security tax contributions. The following outlines typical monthly benefits for retirees based on their claiming age:
| Claiming Age | Average Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Average (All Ages) | $1,900 |
| Age 62 | $2,710 |
| Age 67 (Full Retirement Age) | $3,822 |
| Age 70 | $4,873 |
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Increase for 2025
Starting in January 2025, beneficiaries will see a 2.5% increase in their monthly payments due to the COLA adjustment. This annual increase reflects inflation and aims to help beneficiaries maintain purchasing power.
2025 Benefit Increases
| Claiming Age | 2024 Average Monthly Benefit | 2025 Average Monthly Benefit (After 2.5% COLA) |
|---|---|---|
| Average (All Ages) | $1,900 | $1,948 |
| Age 62 | $2,710 | $2,778 |
| Age 67 (FRA) | $3,822 | $3,918 |
| Age 70 | $4,873 | $4,995 |
These adjustments will apply not only to retired workers but also to survivor, disability, and SSI benefits.
Additional Benefits for Survivors, Disabled Individuals, and SSI Recipients
Alongside retirement benefits, other Social Security programs will also receive the 2.5% COLA adjustment, increasing their monthly payments. Below is a breakdown of these increases by benefit type.
Survivor Benefits
| Type | 2024 Monthly Benefit | 2025 Monthly Benefit | COLA Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | $1,505 | $1,543 | $38 |
| Individual Survivor | $1,773 | $1,817 | $44 |
| Two Children | $3,653 | $3,744 | $91 |
Disability Benefits
| Type | 2024 Monthly Benefit | 2025 Monthly Benefit | COLA Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | $1,537 | $1,575 | $38 |
| Blind Recipient | $2,590 | $2,655 | $65 |
| Maximum | $3,822 | $3,918 | $96 |
SSI Benefits
| Type | 2024 Monthly Benefit | 2025 Monthly Benefit | COLA Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average | $698 | $715 | $17 |
| Individual | $943 | $967 | $24 |
| Couple | $1,415 | $1,450 | $35 |
| Essential Person | $472 | $484 | $12 |
How to Maximize Social Security Benefits
Retirees can optimize Social Security benefits by delaying claims until reaching or surpassing full retirement age. For instance, waiting until age 70 can significantly increase monthly payments. Additionally, working for at least 35 years at higher earnings helps increase the average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), which is a factor in determining the primary insurance amount (PIA) used to calculate Social Security benefits.
FAQs:
What happens if my Social Security payment is delayed?
If your payment is delayed, wait three business days before contacting the SSA. Delays are often due to bank processing times.
How can I view my Social Security benefits and statements?
You can access your benefits and statements through the “My Social Security” online portal, where you can also manage other SSA services.
How does COLA affect my benefits in 2025?
The 2.5% COLA will increase benefits for retirees, survivors, disabled individuals, and SSI recipients, reflecting adjustments for inflation.