The holiday season is officially underway, and for millions of Americans, that means managing finances carefully for end of year celebrations. The Social Security Administration is moving forward with its monthly distribution of benefits. On Wednesday, December 10, the first major wave of retirement checks for the month will be sent out.
Eligible beneficiaries could see payments as high as $5,108 hitting their bank accounts this week. However, not everyone receives their money on the same day. The payout schedule is determined by a specific system based on your birth date. This guide explains who gets paid this week, how the amounts are calculated, and what other dates you need to mark on your calendar for the rest of December.
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Who Receives the December 10 Payment
The Social Security Administration organizes payments to avoid overwhelming the banking system. They use a method that relies on the day of the month you were born. This Wednesday, December 10, is the designated payday for beneficiaries who have birthdays falling between the 1st and the 10th of any given month.
If your birthday falls within this window, you should see your direct deposit arrive on this date. This system, often referred to as the three Wednesdays rule, ensures that funds are distributed evenly throughout the month. If you were born later in the month, you will need to wait for one of the subsequent Wednesdays to receive your funds.
How to Qualify for the Maximum Amount
While the headline figure of $5,108 is exciting, it is important to understand that this is the absolute maximum benefit available. Very few retirees qualify for this top tier amount. To receive this specific sum, a worker must have met strict financial milestones during their career.
First, you must have delayed claiming your retirement benefits until age 70. Claiming earlier significantly reduces the monthly payout. Second, you must have been a high income earner for at least 35 years of your working life. Specifically, your earnings must have met or exceeded the Social Security taxable maximum limit consistently for over three decades. For most people, the average check is much lower, typically ranging between $1,900 and $2,000 per month.
Remaining Payment Dates for December 2025
If your birthday does not fall in the first ten days of the month, your payment is still on the way. The schedule continues for the next two weeks to cover the rest of the population.
For those with birthdays between the 11th and the 20th, payments will be sent on Wednesday, December 17. The final group, consisting of people born between the 21st and the 31st, will receive their benefits on Wednesday, December 24. Even though this date is Christmas Eve, banks will still be processing direct deposits.
Special Early Payment for January
December is a unique month for benefits because of the upcoming New Year holiday. Since banks are closed on January 1, 2026, the Social Security Administration will adjust the schedule for the first payment of the new year.
Beneficiaries can expect to receive their January payment early. The funds are scheduled to be sent on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. This ensures that no one has to wait until after the holiday to pay their bills. It is important to remember that this extra deposit at the end of the month is not a bonus. It is simply your January money arriving a day early.
Key Takeaways for Beneficiaries
- Payments on December 10 are for those born between the 1st and 10th.
- The maximum possible payment is $5,108 but requires retiring at age 70.
- Early retirees at age 62 receive a maximum of around $2,831.
- January 2026 payments will arrive on December 31 due to the holiday.
- Christmas Eve is a normal payment day for the last group of retirees.
December 2025 Payment Schedule
The table below outlines the full distribution schedule for this month so you can plan accordingly.
| Payment Date | Beneficiary Birthday Range | Notes |
| December 3 | Pre-1997 Claimants | Already Paid |
| December 10 | 1st to 10th | Payment Sending Now |
| December 17 | 11th to 20th | Upcoming |
| December 24 | 21st to 31st | Christmas Eve Payment |
| December 31 | Any | Advance Payment for January |
