Who Will Receive a Social Security Payment on Christmas Eve 2025?

• Author: Miguel Waters
• Posted: 2025-12-23

Christmas Eve 2025 brings welcome news for millions of people in the United States. Instead of finding surprises under the tree, some Americans will find extra money in their bank accounts.

That's because the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send out one of its last payments of the year on Wednesday, December 24.

But not everyone will receive their Social Security payment on this day. Here’s a simple breakdown of who will—and who won’t—get paid on Christmas Eve 2025.
 

Who Receives Social Security on December 24?

The Social Security payment going out on December 24 is for people who:
 

• Receive retirement benefits
• Get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Collect benefits as survivors

However, these payments are only for those who were born between the 21st and 31st of any month.

That’s because December 24 is the fourth Wednesday of the month, which is the scheduled payment day for this group, according to the official Social Security calendar.
 

December 2025 Social Security Payment Dates

 

• Born on the 1st to 10th: Payment on Wednesday, December 10
• Born on the 11th to 20th: Payment on Wednesday, December 17
• Born on the 21st to 31st: Payment on Wednesday, December 24

This system covers the majority of the over 70 million Social Security beneficiaries in the U.S.
 

Who Does NOT Receive Payment on Christmas Eve?

Some groups do not get their Social Security payment on December 24:
 

• People who started getting benefits before May 1997: These beneficiaries do not follow the birthday-based schedule. Instead, their payment is always on the third day of each month. For December 2025, that payment was made on Wednesday, December 3.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients: SSI is normally paid on the first day of each month. So, for December 2025, that payday was Monday, December 1.
• Dual beneficiaries (SSI + Social Security): Special rules may apply, and payments are usually split according to each program’s schedule.

Note: SSI beneficiaries will get their January 2026 payment on December 31, 2025, since January 1 is a federal holiday.
 

How Much Are Social Security Payments?

The most recent data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) shows the following average monthly payments:
 

• Retirees: $2,013.32
• Maximum retirement benefit: Up to $5,108
• SSDI recipients: $1,588.52
• Survivors: $1,576.20
• SSI recipients: $717.90

 

How Are Social Security Payments Sent?

Most Social Security payments are sent electronically, either by direct deposit to bank accounts or through a prepaid debit card. This method is secure and helps ensure beneficiaries receive their funds quickly and safely.

-

Read next: Is the $2,000 December 2025 Direct Deposit Before Christmas Real?