The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to activate advance payments for approximately 7.5 million beneficiaries on December 1, 2025. This payment will be the last check for the year 2025, specifically for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Beneficiaries will receive two payments in December, with the second check due on December 31 for January 1, 2026, due to the federal holiday.
The SSI program is designed to provide financial support to individuals aged 65 and over, as well as those with disabilities or limited income. The average monthly payment for SSI beneficiaries is currently $717.84, with the potential to vary based on individual or couple claims. Individuals may receive up to $967, while couples could receive up to $1,450 per month.
As part of the ongoing adjustments, these payments will see a 2.8% increase starting with the first payment of 2026, reflecting the recent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment will apply to those who receive SSI alongside retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or survivor benefits. For these beneficiaries, the first payment will arrive on December 1, and the second will follow on December 3.
Payment Schedule and Methods
The SSA has established a payment schedule based on the beneficiaries’ birth dates for the remaining payments in December. Those born between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive their payments on December 10. Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th will receive their payments on December 17, while those born between the 21st and 31st will receive theirs on December 24.
Beneficiaries who have been receiving payments since before May 1997 will not follow this schedule and are set to receive their benefits on December 3. For those receiving SSI along with other benefits, the first payment will be issued on December 1, with the second following on December 3.
The SSA offers several options for beneficiaries to receive their payments. While traditional paper checks are limited to specific cases, the following methods are available:
1. **Direct deposits** into the beneficiary’s bank account, which can be set up through the SSA’s online portal, ‘My Social Security.’
2. **Direct Express cards**, which allow beneficiaries to access their funds through a special debit card where their monthly payments are deposited.
For further details and the official payment calendar, the SSA encourages beneficiaries to visit their website.
This advance payment initiative aims to alleviate financial pressure for millions of Americans relying on these benefits, ensuring timely access to essential funds as the new year approaches.