The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to distribute its next round of payments on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. This disbursement is part of the agency's regular monthly schedule and will reach millions of Americans who rely on these benefits for their financial stability.
The payment system is structured to ensure a predictable flow of funds, with specific dates assigned to different groups of beneficiaries. Eligibility for the December 10 payment is determined by a simple but crucial factor: the birth date of the primary Social Security number holder.
Key Takeaways
- A scheduled Social Security payment will be issued on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
- Eligibility for this payment is for beneficiaries whose birth date falls between the 1st and the 10th of any month.
- This includes retired workers, individuals receiving disability benefits (SSDI), and survivor beneficiaries.
- The SSA has confirmed average monthly payments for retirees at $2,012.30 and for disabled workers at $1,588.44.
- Additional payment rounds for December are scheduled for December 17 and December 24, based on subsequent birth date ranges.
Understanding the Social Security Payment Calendar
The Social Security Administration manages payments for over 70 million beneficiaries each month. To handle this volume efficiently, the agency uses a staggered payment schedule based on the birth date of the individual whose work record the benefits are paid under.
This system ensures that funds are distributed throughout the month rather than on a single day, which helps manage the flow of transactions through the banking system. The core of this schedule relies on three specific Wednesdays each month.
How Your Birth Date Determines Your Payment Day
The process is straightforward. The SSA divides most beneficiaries into three groups, with each group assigned to a specific Wednesday for payment delivery.
- Second Wednesday of the Month: For individuals with a birth date between the 1st and the 10th.
- Third Wednesday of the Month: For individuals with a birth date between the 11th and the 20th.
- Fourth Wednesday of the Month: For individuals with a birth date between the 21st and the 31st.
This method applies to those who receive retirement, survivor, or disability benefits. It's important to note that recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain other beneficiaries often follow a different payment schedule, typically receiving their funds at the beginning of the month.
Who Will Receive a Payment on December 10
The upcoming payment on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, is designated for the first of these three groups. If the primary Social Security number holder's birthday falls on any day from the 1st to the 10th of their birth month, their payment will be processed on this date.
This includes several categories of beneficiaries who are a critical part of the Social Security system.
Who is Included?
The December 10 distribution covers individuals receiving:
- Retirement Benefits: Workers who have paid into the Social Security system throughout their careers and have reached retirement age.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Individuals who are unable to work due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
- Survivor Benefits: Spouses, children, and sometimes parents of a deceased worker who was eligible for Social Security.
Beneficiaries in these categories can expect their funds to be delivered either via direct deposit into their bank account or onto a Direct Express Debit MasterCard. The SSA strongly encourages direct deposit as the safest and most efficient method of receiving payments.
Average Benefit Amounts for 2025
The amount each individual receives varies significantly based on their work history, earnings record, and the type of benefit they are claiming. However, the SSA provides average payment figures that offer a general idea of what beneficiaries can expect.
Average Monthly Payments
The Social Security Administration has confirmed the following average monthly benefit amounts for the year:
- Retired Workers: $2,012.30
- Disabled Workers (SSDI): $1,588.44
- Survivor Beneficiaries: $1,575.89
- SSI Recipients: $717.51
These figures represent the average and are not what every person will receive. A person's actual benefit is calculated using a complex formula based on their lifetime earnings. Beneficiaries can view their specific payment details and history by creating an account on the official SSA website.
"Understanding the payment schedule is crucial for household budgeting. Knowing your specific payment date allows for better financial planning and ensures that essential expenses can be met on time."
Upcoming Social Security Payments in December
After the December 10 disbursement, the SSA will continue its monthly payment cycle with two additional rounds of payments scheduled for the remainder of the month.
The schedule for the rest of December 2025 is as follows:
- Wednesday, December 17: This payment is for beneficiaries with birth dates falling between the 11th and the 20th of the month.
- Wednesday, December 24: This payment is for the final group of beneficiaries, those with birth dates between the 21st and the 31st of the month.
It's important for beneficiaries to monitor their bank accounts on their designated payment day. While direct deposits are typically seamless, occasional delays can occur. If a payment is not received as expected, the SSA recommends waiting three business days before contacting the agency to allow for any processing delays.
