Social Security: $967 SSI Payments Begin December 1 – Check Eligibility
In December 2025, approximately 7.5 million individuals will receive Social Security benefits payments. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to distribute these payments, including two Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks. The first payment will be issued on December 1, while the second will be advanced to December 31 due to the New Year’s Day holiday.
SSI Payments Scheduled for December
Recipients of the SSI program are expecting their payments on two specific dates this December. The first payment will arrive on December 1, marking the last disbursement of 2025. The second payment will be provided a day earlier than usual, on December 31, to accommodate the federal holiday on January 1, 2026.
Who Qualifies for SSI Benefits?
SSI benefits are aimed at individuals with limited income or resources. To be eligible, recipients must be either over 65 years of age or have a qualifying disability. Importantly, eligibility does not depend on prior contributions to Social Security, making it a need-based program.
Monthly Payment Amounts for SSI Recipients
The average SSI payment is $717.84 per month; however, eligible individuals can receive up to $967 monthly. Couples meeting the eligibility criteria can receive a combined total of $1,450. Additional support may be available for certain SSI recipients, depending on their state.
December Social Security Payment Schedule
Besides the SSI payments, other Social Security benefits will also be disbursed in December. Here’s the payment schedule based on recipients’ birth dates:
- Individuals born from the 1st to the 10th: Wednesday, December 10
- Individuals born from the 11th to the 20th: Wednesday, December 17
- Individuals born from the 21st to the 31st: Wednesday, December 24
Receiving Both SSI and Standard Social Security
For beneficiaries receiving both SSI and standard Social Security payments, the SSI check will arrive on December 1, while the standard Social Security payment will be issued on December 3. The SSA provides a comprehensive payment schedule for 2025, along with a preview of 2026.
This December, scrutinizing your eligibility for SSI benefits and understanding the payment timeline is crucial for ensuring timely support.
