Millions of Americans may see their Social Security payments arrive on an unusual schedule this December as a federal holiday forces the agency to shift its normal timing.
Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) adjusts payments that fall on weekends or federal holidays. In 2025, that rule affects the start of the new year because January 1, next year is a federal holiday. The January Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment will be issued one day early, on Dec. 31, according to the schedule.
The change means some SSI recipients will receive two deposits in December, their regular December payment at the start of the month, and their January 2026 payment on the last day of December. This isn’t an extra check, but rather, the early disbursement of January benefits.
The shift affects SSI recipients, not those receiving retirement, survivor or disability benefits. Social Security’s monthly schedule for those groups still follows the long-standing formula: payments are sent on the second, third or fourth Wednesday of the month, based on the beneficiary’s birthdate.
More than 7 million people receive SSI, a program designed for older adults, people with disabilities and people with limited income. The SSA encourages beneficiaries to review payment calendars early to avoid surprises during the holiday season.
