Here’s when Social Security, SSDI and SSI payments arrive in December 2026. Most people are paid on a Wednesday based on their birthday, and SSI recipients get two payments this month.
December 2026 Social Security payment schedule
| Who | Payment date |
|---|---|
| SSI (December payment) | Tuesday, December 1 |
| Started benefits before May 1997, or get both Social Security and SSI | Thursday, December 3 |
| Birthday on the 1st–10th | Wednesday, December 9 |
| Birthday on the 11th–20th | Wednesday, December 16 |
| Birthday on the 21st–31st | Wednesday, December 23 |
| SSI (January 2027 payment, paid early) | Thursday, December 31 |
| 3rd-of-month group (January 2027 payment, paid early) | Thursday, December 31 |
The birthday that counts is the birthday of the person whose work record the benefit is based on. For spouses and survivors, that may not be your own birthday.
Does the December payment include the 3.6% COLA?
For Social Security and SSDI, no. December’s payments are your November benefit at the 2026 rate. The 3.6% COLA for 2027 first shows up in your January 2027 payment.
For SSI, the December 31 payment (January’s money) is the first to include the raise. The maximum goes to $1,029 for an individual and $1,544 for a couple. See SSI two payments in December 2026.
Why there are two SSI payments in December
SSI is paid on the 1st of the month. January 1, 2027 is a federal holiday, so January’s SSI payment moves back to December 31, 2026. There’s no SSI payment during January. The next one after December 31 is February 1, 2027.
Holiday timing to know
- Christmas Day (Friday, December 25) doesn’t change any Social Security payment dates this year.
- Banks may be slower to post deposits around holidays. If a deposit is late, wait three business days before contacting SSA.
Next month
January 2027 payments are on December 31 (SSI and the 3rd-of-month group), January 13, January 20 and January 27. See the full January 2027 payment schedule or the 2027 Social Security payment calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is the December 2026 Social Security payment?
December 9, 16 or 23, depending on your birthday. December 3 if you started before May 1997 or also get SSI.
Is there a Social Security bonus in December 2026?
No. There’s no extra Social Security payment. SSI recipients get January’s payment early, on December 31.
What number do I call if my payment is missing?
SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), after waiting three business days.
