What to know about Social Security Payments December 2025
December 2025 marks the last month beneficiaries will receive Social Security at 2025 payment levels. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 applies to January benefits, so December is the final check before any increase.
This article explains what to expect for December payments, how the 2026 COLA typically works, and practical steps to prepare for changes in income and deductions.
Social Security Payments December 2025: Payment timing and checks
Most Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability payments follow the SSA monthly payment schedule tied to birth dates or benefit type. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) usually is paid on the first of the month.
If you usually receive direct deposit, expect December funds according to the same schedule you use each month. If a payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, banks commonly post the payment the prior business day.
Check your payment details
- Log in to my Social Security at SSA.gov to confirm your December payment date.
- Verify your direct deposit account and routing numbers now to avoid delays.
- If you get paper checks, allow extra time for mailing during the holiday season.
How the 2026 COLA affects Social Security Payments
The Social Security COLA is usually announced in October and takes effect for benefits payable in January. That means the December 2025 payment will be at pre-COLA rates.
COLA is tied to changes in consumer prices and can change your gross benefit. Keep in mind some deductions can offset part of any increase.
Possible offsets to COLA
- Medicare Part B and D premiums may rise in January and are often deducted from monthly benefits.
- Higher income could push you into additional Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA).
- Federal and state taxes may change your net benefit if you have withholding or tax liability.
Practical steps to prepare for December 2025 and the 2026 COLA
Use December as a planning month. Take actions now so you’re ready when the January COLA arrives.
- Review your current monthly budget and note how an increase would be used or saved.
- Check Medicare premium notices and estimate net change after premiums are withheld.
- Update tax withholding preferences online or with Form W-4V to cover expected liabilities.
- Confirm direct deposit and mailing address to prevent missed payments during holidays.
Items to verify this December
- Your payment method (direct deposit vs. paper check)
- SSA contact information and online account access
- Any pending changes in benefit status, like returning to work or changes in family benefits
The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). The SSA compares the average of the third quarter (July–September) year-over-year to determine the next year’s increase.
Tax and withholding considerations for December and 2026
The December payment is still part of 2025 income. If your income crosses tax thresholds because of a one-time payment or other income, consider whether estimated tax payments are needed.
In January, a higher gross benefit could increase taxable income. Review your tax withholding and speak to a tax advisor if you expect higher liability.
Quick checklist: Taxes and withholding
- Determine if Social Security benefits are taxable based on combined income.
- Adjust federal withholding via Form W-4V if you want taxes taken from Social Security checks.
- Plan for any Medicare premium increases deducted from benefits starting in January.
Real-world example: Preparing in December
Case study: Mary is 68 and receives Social Security retirement benefits. In December 2025 she checks her SSA.gov account and confirms her last 2025 payment will arrive on her usual date.
Mary reviews her expenses and sees how much of the expected January COLA she should allocate to higher Medicare premiums and how much she can add to her emergency savings. She updates her tax withholding online to avoid a tax bill next spring.
This short planning step helped Mary avoid surprises when the January 2026 net benefit was adjusted for a slightly higher Part B premium.
What to do if your December payment is late or incorrect
If you don’t receive the December payment on your scheduled date, check your bank and SSA account first. Look for notices from SSA or your bank about payment timing.
If the payment is missing or incorrect, contact Social Security directly. Keep documentation such as bank statements and any SSA messages to speed the process.
Contact steps
- Check my Social Security online summary for payment history.
- Call the SSA national number or visit a local office if needed. Expect wait times during high-volume months.
- Prepare your Social Security number and recent payment details before calling.
Final tips for December 2025
Think of December 2025 as a financial checkpoint. Confirm account details, update your budget, and plan for how any 2026 COLA will be used.
Small actions this month—checking direct deposit, reviewing Medicare notices, and adjusting withholding—can prevent surprises and help stretch your benefit into the new year.
If you’re uncertain about how COLA and premiums will affect your monthly net benefits, consider a brief consultation with a benefits counselor or tax professional before January.
