Millions of Social Security recipients to receive 2 payments in December

Millions of Americans who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will get an additional check this month. However, the check is not an extra payment as it’s just a slight advance on January’s payment.

Social Security and SSI payments are sent out monthly based on a set schedule. SSI recipients receive their payment on the first day of each month. However, because Jan. 1, 2026 is a holiday, the payment will be sent a day earlier on Dec. 31, 2025.

Similarly, February’s SSI payment will also be sent earlier than usual as Feb. 1, 2026 falls on a Sunday, meaning that month’s payment will be sent on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026.

An estimated 7.4 million Americans receive SSI payments monthly.

Traditional Social Security payments are sent based on the recipient’s birth date. If the recipient was born between the 1st through the 10th of the month, they’re paid on the second Wednesday of the month. Those born between the 11th through 21st receive a payment on the third Wednesday of the month. Finally, those born between the 22nd through 31st of the month are paid on the fourth Wednesday.

Those payments will arrive as normal in December and January. The full 2026 payment calendar schedule can be found here.