Hey friend! December 2025 is a huge transition month for millions of Americans on Social Security, SSI, and SSDI. You’ll still get your regular amount this month, but January 1, 2026 marks the first payment with the new Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Think of it as the calm before the (slightly bigger) storm!
Quick History of Social Security COLA
The COLA tradition started in 1975 to protect benefits from inflation. Every year, the Social Security Administration looks at the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from July–September and sets the next year’s increase. No COLA happened in 2010, 2011, and 2016 — but we’ve had one every year since.
Why December 2025 Matters So Much
This is literally your final “old-rate” check. Starting January, every single payment (whether you’re on the 2nd Wednesday, 3rd Wednesday, or SSI 1st-of-the-month schedule) will be higher. Many people feel this like a mini stimulus check arriving automatically.
Exact December 2025 Payment Schedule
| Birth Date / Program | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| SSI (all recipients) | Monday, December 1 |
| Before May 1997 OR SSI+SS | Wednesday, December 3 |
| Birth days 1–10 | Wednesday, December 10 |
| Birth days 11–20 | Wednesday, December 17 |
| Birth days 21–31 | Wednesday, December 24 |
Note: December 24 is Christmas Eve — payments will still go out!
How Much Bigger Will 2026 Checks Be?
The official 2026 COLA is 2.5% (announced October 2025).
| Average Monthly Benefit (2025) | Extra in 2026 (approx.) | New 2026 Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement: $1,920 | +$48 | $1,968 |
| SSDI: $1,539 | +$38 | $1,577 |
| SSI Individual: $967 | +$24 | $991 |
| SSI Couple: $1,450 | +$36 | $1,486 |
Notable COLA Stats Over the Years
- Highest ever: 14.3% (1980)
- Recent big ones: 8.7% (2023), 5.9% (2022)
- 2024: 3.2%
- 2025: 2.5%
- 2026: 2.5% (confirmed)
Smart Money Tips Before the Boost
- Double-check your direct deposit info on SSA.gov
- Use December’s “regular” check to pay down any holiday debt
- Plan how you’ll spend/save that extra $30–$60 starting January
- Consider setting up a separate “COLA bonus” savings account
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I get both December and January payments in December?
A: No, only the regular December amount. January arrives on its normal schedule but with the increase.
Q: Is the 2026 COLA the same as a stimulus check?
A: Not exactly, but many retirees treat the extra money each month like ongoing stimulus!
Q: What if my birthday schedule falls on a holiday?
A: SSA always moves it earlier — never later.
Final Thoughts
December 2025 is your last look at the “old” Social Security amount before the 2026 COLA boost begins. Mark your payment date, celebrate the upcoming increase, and maybe treat yourself with that extra cash starting next year. Share this with anyone on Social Security — they’ll thank you when their bigger checks start rolling in!