Social Security Payments December 2025: What This Month Means
December 2025 is the last regular payment month before the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) begins. If you receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivors benefits, now is the time to check your year-end cash flow and tax withholding.
The changes that take effect in January 2026 will change your benefit amounts and some deductions. Planning ahead can help you avoid surprises in bills, Medicare premiums, and budgeting.
How Social Security Payments Are Scheduled in December 2025
Social Security uses a few different payment rules depending on when you started receiving benefits. Knowing which rule applies to you tells you which week or day to expect your December payment.
- For most beneficiaries who began benefits after 1997, payment day is based on birth date: 1–10 on the second Wednesday, 11–20 on the third Wednesday, and 21–31 on the fourth Wednesday.
- People who started benefits before May 1997 generally get paid on the first of the month.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments usually arrive on the first of the month or the preceding business day if the first falls on a weekend or holiday.
Because December has federal holidays and banks close, some payments may fall on a business day before the holiday. Always confirm exact dates on your Social Security online account or the SSA.gov calendar for December 2025.
Where to Check Your Exact Payment Date
- Log in to My Social Security at SSA.gov
- Check your benefit verification letter
- Call the Social Security Administration if you cannot access online services
How the 2026 COLA Affects Your January 2026 Payment
The COLA is determined by changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The official COLA for 2026 will be announced in October or November 2025.
COLA increases appear in the January benefit payment. December 2025 is therefore the last month you receive your current benefit level.
What Changes With a COLA
- Gross benefit increases by the COLA percentage.
- Medicare Part B and Part D premiums may rise and can offset part of the COLA.
- Tax withholding and Medicare premiums are typically deducted from the increased gross benefit.
Practical Steps to Prepare in December 2025
Use December to update your budget and check with the SSA about any upcoming changes. Small steps now avoid confusion when the COLA hits in January.
- Review your annual benefits statement and last 2025 payment to estimate your January net benefit.
- Check whether your Medicare Part B premium is likely to change and whether you are protected by the hold-harmless rule.
- Update voluntary tax withholding if your tax situation changed during 2025.
- Plan for bill timing: if a Medicare premium increase is expected, adjust your monthly budget accordingly.
Taxes, Medicare Premiums, and Offsets
Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on your combined income. An increase from a COLA can push some beneficiaries into a higher tax bracket for Social Security taxation.
Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are usually withheld from Social Security benefits. In some years, premium increases have eaten a portion of the COLA for many beneficiaries.
Key Points to Watch
- Whether your overall income makes up to 50% or 85% of your benefits taxable.
- If the hold-harmless rule applies to you (it can protect some beneficiaries from Part B premium increases that exceed the COLA).
- How voluntary tax withholding or estimated tax payments may need adjustment after the COLA.
Medicare Part B premium increases can sometimes reduce or fully offset your COLA increase. The SSA posts projected premium changes and explanations each fall.
Case Study: A Small Real-World Example
Maria is a retired teacher who receives $1,600 a month in Social Security benefits in December 2025. She expects a COLA in January 2026 but also anticipates a higher Medicare Part B premium.
- December 2025 benefit: $1,600 gross.
- Hypothetical COLA: 3% (example only) would increase gross benefit to $1,648 in January.
- If Medicare Part B premiums rise by $35 per month, Maria’s net increase could be only $13 after the premium deduction.
This example shows why it’s important to estimate both COLA and premium changes so you know the likely net change in income.
Common Questions for December Beneficiaries
Will I get a year-end statement?
Yes. SSA sends a Social Security Statement or provides online access, summarizing 2025 earnings and estimated benefits. Review it for accuracy.
Do I need to reapply for Social Security in January 2026?
No. COLA adjustments are automatic. You only need to contact SSA if your bank info or direct deposit changes.
Final Checklist for December 2025
- Confirm your December payment date via My Social Security.
- Estimate your January 2026 net benefit considering possible COLA and Medicare premium changes.
- Review tax withholding and update if your situation changed.
- Set aside any extra funds from a final 2025 check to cover early January bills if needed.
December 2025 is a transition month. Use it to confirm dates, update budgets, and prepare for the 2026 COLA so the new year starts with fewer surprises.
