URGENT UPDATE: A new round of Social Security payments is scheduled for release on December 24, 2025, just in time for Christmas. This distribution will benefit approximately 70 million Americans, including retirees and individuals with disabilities, providing crucial financial support during the holiday season.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirms that payments will be issued in stages each month to efficiently manage the large number of recipients. Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st of any month will receive their payments on Christmas Eve. It’s essential for recipients to watch for their payments, as those expecting funds should allow up to three working days for processing before reaching out to the SSA for inquiries.
This upcoming payment marks one of the final distributions of 2025, and beneficiaries can expect a 2.8 percent increase in their benefits starting in January 2026 due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For the average retiree, this adjustment will translate to an additional $56 each month, raising the average monthly benefit from $2,015 to $2,071.
Couples where both partners receive Social Security benefits can anticipate their combined payments rising from $3,120 to $3,208. Meanwhile, disabled workers are expected to see their monthly payments increase from $1,586 to $1,630.
The SSA calculates the COLA using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), ensuring that benefits keep pace with the rising costs of living, including housing and healthcare. In 2026, the maximum possible monthly Social Security benefit will rise from $5,108 to $5,251, providing nearly $2,000 more annually for those who qualify.
As the holiday season approaches, these payments are more than just numbers; they represent essential income for millions of Americans, impacting their ability to manage daily expenses. Stay tuned for further updates as the SSA continues to roll out these critical payments.
