Social Security Benefits: Who's Getting Paid on Wednesday, December 3rd?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is disbursing payments to specific beneficiaries today, Wednesday, December 3rd, as part of its December distribution schedule. Here's a breakdown of who's receiving their monthly checks:
Long-Term Beneficiaries
The SSA is sending out payments to long-term Social Security recipients who started receiving retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or survivor pay before May 1997.
SSI Recipients with Other Benefits
Today is also the payment date for individuals who combine Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with retirement, SSDI, or survivor pay. SSI is designed for low-income Americans aged 65 or older, or those with disabilities.
Payment Amounts
- Retired Workers: Most U.S. Social Security recipients, averaging $2,009.50 per month.
- Disabled Workers: $1,584.46 per month on average.
- Surviving Beneficiaries: $1,575.61 per month on average.
- SSI: $717.20 per month for individuals, with a maximum of $967. Couples can claim up to $1,450 per month jointly.
SSI Supplementary Payments
Some SSI recipients may receive additional state-funded payments. Check the SSA website for information on which states offer this benefit.
Benefit Increase in 2026
The SSA confirmed in October that beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% increase in their monthly checks from January 2026, as part of the annual cost-of-living adjustment. This translates to an average rise of $56 per month for retirement beneficiaries.
Other December Payment Dates
Most recipients of retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits will receive their latest monthly payments on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday in December 2025.
The designated Wednesday depends on the birthdate of the worker whose Social Security taxes accrued the benefits entitlement:
- Born on the 1st-10th of each month: Wednesday, December 10th
- Born on the 11th-20th of each month: Wednesday, December 17th
- Born on the 21st-31st of each month: Wednesday, December 24th
For detailed payment schedules, visit the SSA's online calendar or download the 2025 and 2026 benefit distribution schedules.
Payment Methods
As of September 30, the SSA primarily offers electronic payments:
- Direct Deposit: Beneficiaries can have their payments deposited directly into their bank accounts by providing their details on the SSA's online portal, 'my Social Security'.
- Direct Express Card: For those without a bank account, benefits can be loaded onto a Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal payments.
