Who receives a Social Security payment on December 31, 2025?
The end of 2025 brings with it a key logistical adjustment for millions of beneficiaries in the United States due to the federal holiday calendar. Since January 1 is a non-working day that affects banking and government operations, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has decided to bring forward the first payment of 2026 to Wednesday, December 31.
This move ensures that the most vulnerable populations have access to their resources without interruption, marking a critical date in the year-end financial calendar for households that depend on this monthly income.
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Who gets their Social Security payment early?
The specific group that will receive their funds on Wednesday, December 31, are the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. This program is designed to support adults over the age of 65, as well as adults and children with disabilities or blindness who have limited income and resources.
SSI checks are usually issued on the first of each month. However, when that date falls on a weekend or holiday, as it does this New Year’s Day, SSA regulations require that the payment be brought forward to the previous business day. For this reason, January’s money will arrive just before New Year’s Eve celebrations.
What is the Social Security payment schedule for January?
If you receive retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or survivor benefits, your payment schedule follows a different logic based on your date of birth. These payments are not advanced to December 31, but will be distributed on the following dates in January:
- Born between the 1st and 10th: Wednesday, January 14.
- Born between the 11th and 20th: Wednesday, January 21.
- Born between the 21st and 31st: Wednesday, January 28.
For those who wish to check their account status or exact amounts, the SSA recommends accessing the official “My Social Security” portal, where the breakdown with the corresponding increase for 2026 should already be reflected.