Millions of Americans will see their Social Security checks arrive on surprising dates this December

A good number of retirees and other individuals receive Social Security benefits each month.

Each month, the Social Security Administration issues payments to these Americans so they are able to cover a variety of expenses, from food to housing to medical care.

Although there are a lot of people who receive Social Security, not everyone knows how their payments are calculated, when they will arrive or how they will change over time.

Here’s what you need to know about when you will receive your December Social Security payments, and what changes will be in place for some people this month.

When will I get my December Social Security check?

The Social Security Administration will send your December 2025 check on a specific day of the month depending on your date of birth, according to this calendar.

If your birthday falls on the first to the 10th of the month, for example, you receive your payments on the second Wednesday of the month. Social security check recipients, who fall under this category, should receive their first check by Dec. 10.

If your birth date is between the 11th and 20th of the month, your payments arrive on the third Wednesday of the month. Recipients, who fall under this category, should receive their check on Dec. 17.

If your birthday happens to be from the 21st to the 30th, your payments are scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of the month. If you fall under this category, you will receive your payment on Dec. 24.

The next payment for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients is Dec. 1, and this month, SSI recipients will receive a second check on Dec. 31 due to the New Year’s Day federal holiday Jan. 1, 2026.

You will receive Social Security on Dec. 3, and SSI on Dec. 1, if you began receiving Social Security before May 1997 or if you receive SSI and Social Security.

You can find out more details about your Social Security benefits here.