Social Security Payments: Find Out Who Receives Benefits on December 17

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will distribute benefits to millions of Americans on December 17. This payment will be the fourth run in the agency’s December schedule. It specifically targets recipients of retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor checks. Approximately 70.4 million Americans receive these benefits monthly.

Who Receives Benefits on December 17?

The payments scheduled for December 17 will go to beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of the month. The SSA determines payment dates based on the recipient’s date of birth linked to the worker’s Social Security contributions. Here is a quick overview of the December payment schedule:

• Born on 1st to 10th of the month: Payments on December 10.
• Born on 11th to 20th of the month: Payments on December 17.
• Born on 21st to 31st of the month: Payments on December 24.

Other Important Payment Dates in December

Several groups of Social Security beneficiaries have different payment dates:

• Long-term Social Security recipients (benefits began before May 1997) receive their payments on the third day of each month; thus, December’s payment was on December 3.
• Approximately 7.4 million Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries typically receive their payments on the first day of each month, making December 1 the payment date for this group.
• Dual beneficiaries, who receive both SSI and regular Social Security benefits, were scheduled for their SSI on December 1 and regular benefits on December 3.

Payment Amounts for Various Beneficiaries

According to SSA’s latest data, the average monthly retirement benefit is $2,013.32. The maximum monthly benefit currently stands at $5,108. Other average payment figures include:

• Disabled workers: $1,588.52 per month.
• Survivor benefits recipients: $1,576.20 per month.
• SSI beneficiaries: $717.90 per month.

Future Increases and Payment Methods

In 2026, beneficiaries are expected to see a 2.8% increase in their payments due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment translates to an estimated average monthly increase of $56 for those on retirement benefits, with the SSI beneficiaries receiving their updated amounts starting on December 31, a day early due to the New Year’s holiday.

Most payments are now made electronically. Beneficiaries can opt for direct deposit by providing their bank information on the SSA’s online portal. Alternatively, recipients without bank accounts can use the Direct Express Card, a debit card designed for federal benefit distributions.