SSI payments: December double deposit, January increase, and what to expect next

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are heading into a busy payout stretch. December brings two SSI payments—one at the start of the month and another at month’s end—because New Year’s Day is a federal holiday. Then in January, benefits rise with a new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to the SSI payment schedule, amounts, and practical steps to avoid delays.

December 2025 SSI payments: why there are two

SSI is scheduled for the first of each month. When the 1st falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deposit moves to the prior business day. Because January 1 is a holiday, the January SSI payment is paid early—on December 31. That creates a rare two-payment month in December.

Key dates

• Monday, December 1, 2025: Regular December SSI payment

• Wednesday, December 31, 2025: Early payment for January 2026 SSI

This early deposit does not mean extra money overall—it simply shifts January’s payment into December for cash-flow continuity.

SSI payment amounts: 2025 vs. 2026

The federal SSI maximums (before any state supplements) are rising with the new COLA in January 2026.

• 2025 federal maximums

  • $967 per month for an eligible individual

  • $1,450 per month for an eligible couple

  • $488 for an essential person

• 2026 federal maximums (effective with the January benefit paid Dec. 31)

  • $994 per month for an eligible individual

  • $1,491 per month for an eligible couple

  • $498 for an essential person

States may add their own supplements, so your actual deposit could be higher depending on where you live.

At a glance: late-year SSI and Social Security timeline

While SSI runs on the first-of-month schedule, many readers also track retirement, survivor, or disability checks. Here’s a compact view to help you plan cash flow. (Social Security dates are shown for context; SSI recipients who also get Social Security typically receive the SSI on the 1st and their Social Security on the third or on a Wednesday tied to their birth date.)

Note: Schedules can shift if a date falls on a weekend or federal holiday. Always check the official monthly calendar for confirmation.

How SSI payments arrive—and how to avoid delays

By law, federal benefits are paid electronically. That means:

• Direct deposit to a bank or credit union account, or

• Direct Express® Debit Mastercard® for those without a bank account

Tips to keep things smooth:

• Monitor your bank’s posting times. Funds may show as “pending” before they fully post. Banks vary in when they release deposits.

• Report changes promptly. Income, resources, household composition, and address changes can affect eligibility and timing.

• Allow three business days before escalating a missing deposit. If still absent, contact your bank first to rule out posting issues, then reach out to Social Security for a trace.

Taxes and SSI: what to know

SSI is a means-tested benefit and is not taxable. While some Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on income, SSI does not count as taxable income. If you receive both Social Security and SSI, only the Social Security portion may be subject to tax rules based on your combined income.

What the 2026 COLA means for your budget

A 2.8% COLA applies beginning with the January 2026 benefits (paid on December 31 for SSI). For many households, the practical effect lands right before rent and utility bills come due in early January. Consider:

• Revising automatic payments that hit on the 1st or 2nd, since the higher amount arrives on Dec. 31.

• Updating budgets to reflect the new monthly maximums listed above; if you receive a state supplement, confirm whether it adjusts alongside the federal increase.

• Coordinating with SNAP/Medicaid offices if your state benefits interact with SSI—some programs automatically adjust, others require updated paperwork.

Quick checklist for SSI recipients

• Mark Dec 1 and Dec 31 on your calendar (two deposits in December).

• Expect no SSI on Jan 1 (it’s paid early on Dec 31).

• Note your new 2026 amount (e.g., $994 individual; $1,491 couple) for budgeting.

• Verify your direct deposit or Direct Express details.

• If a payment is missing, check with your bank, then contact Social Security.

SSI payments right now

December is a double-deposit month for SSI because of the holiday calendar, and January brings a COLA increase that slightly lifts monthly benefits. With dates locked in—December 1 and December 31 for SSI—you can plan bills and essentials with greater confidence, reduce the risk of overdrafts, and ring in the new year with an updated, realistic budget.