UPDATE: A new wave of Social Security payments is set to hit accounts this week, just in time for Christmas cheer. On December 24, beneficiaries with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st will receive payments, with amounts reaching up to $5,108 for some.
This is crucial for around 70 million Americans who rely on these monthly benefits, including retirees and individuals with disabilities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) staggers payments throughout the month to efficiently distribute funds, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.
Most recipients will see their payments based on their birth dates. However, specific groups, including those who began collecting benefits before May 1997 and individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), follow a different schedule. SSI primarily aids low-income seniors and disabled individuals.
The upcoming payment marks one of the last distributions for 2025. As we look ahead to 2026, beneficiaries can expect a 2.8 percent increase in their benefits due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For the average retiree, this translates to an additional $56 each month, bringing their average monthly benefit from $2,015 to $2,071.
This adjustment is calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which reflects inflation trends affecting everyday expenses such as housing, food, and medical care. For couples where both members receive benefits, their combined payments will rise from $3,120 to $3,208. Meanwhile, disabled workers are projected to see their monthly payments increase from $1,586 to $1,630.
Additionally, the maximum monthly Social Security payment will rise from $5,108 to $5,251, which means nearly $2,000 more annually for eligible recipients. This increase affects all SSA programs, including retirement, spousal, survivor, and SSI, with new payment amounts taking effect in January 2026.
If you are expecting a payment on December 24 and do not see it by the expected date, the SSA advises waiting up to three business days before reaching out for assistance.
As these changes roll out, it is vital for beneficiaries to stay informed about their entitlements and the adjustments that impact their financial well-being. With the holiday season approaching, this influx of support is more crucial than ever for many families.
Stay tuned for further updates on Social Security as more information becomes available.
