Social Security benefits provide financial support to over 64 million retired workers in the United States. These monthly payments vary by recipient group, and not all beneficiaries receive their checks on the same date. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), payment schedules depend on the date benefits were first claimed and the recipient’s date of birth.
Payment Schedule for December 2024
The Social Security Administration has established a specific schedule to accommodate over 72 million beneficiaries. Below are the detailed payment dates for December:
| Payment Date | Recipient Group |
|---|---|
| December 3rd | Retirees, survivors, and disabled individuals who began receiving benefits before May 1997 |
| December 11th | Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th who started collecting benefits after May 1997 |
| December 18th | Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th who started collecting benefits after May 1997 |
| December 24th | Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st who started collecting benefits after May 1997 |
| December 31st | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries receiving their January 2025 payment early |
Important Note:
- SSI beneficiaries will be the first group to receive the 2025 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. Due to the holiday on January 1, 2025, these checks will be distributed on December 31, 2024.
- If your payment does not arrive on the expected date, wait three mailing days before contacting SSA Customer Service or accessing your My Social Security Account to track your payment.
How Much Will Retirees Receive?
The monthly payment amount for retirees depends on factors like the age they claimed benefits, their full retirement age (FRA), accumulated Social Security credits, and Social Security taxes paid over their working life. Here’s an overview of the amounts:
| Retirement Age | Payment Before COLA | Payment After 2.5% COLA Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed Before FRA | $2,710 | $2,780 |
| Claimed at Age 67 | $3,822 | $3,920 |
| Claimed at Age 70 | $4,873 | $4,998 |
Average Benefits After the COLA Adjustment
The upcoming 2.5% COLA increase will adjust benefits as follows:
| Category | Average Payment Before COLA | Payment After 2.5% COLA |
|---|---|---|
| Retired Worker | $1,900 | $1,949 |
| Survivors (Average) | $1,543 | $1,581 |
| Disabled Worker | $1,575 | $1,614 |
SSI, Survivor, and Disability Payments
Here’s a breakdown of other payments that will also see the 2.5% COLA increase:
| Category | Payment Before COLA | Payment After 2.5% COLA |
|---|---|---|
| SSI (Individual) | $715 | $732 |
| SSI (Couples) | $1,450 | $1,486 |
| Survivor Benefits (Average) | $1,543 | $1,581 |
| SSDI (Average) | $1,575 | $1,614 |
FAQs
When will I receive my Social Security check in December 2024?
Payment dates vary based on when benefits were first claimed and the recipient’s date of birth. Refer to the payment schedule above for specific details.
What is the COLA increase for 2025, and when will it be reflected?
The COLA increase for 2025 is 2.5%. SSI beneficiaries will receive this adjustment in their December 31, 2024, payment, while other recipients will see the increase starting January 3, 2025.
What should I do if my Social Security payment is delayed?
If your check doesn’t arrive on the expected date, wait at least three mailing days before contacting the SSA or checking your My Social Security Account.
