As we approach winter, the government has confirmed the final details for winter Social Security payments. This has given retirees a clear view of what to expect before 2025 ends and how much their benefits will rise when January 2026 arrives.
The just-released data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) shows how much retirees should expect in December and also how the upcoming cost-of-living adjustment will change things in 2026.
Here is a full breakdown of what beneficiaries should expect this winter.
Average Social Security Checks Continue Their Slow Climb in 2025
According to data the SSA released earlier this fall, the average Social Security check for retired workers rose to $2,008.31 towards the end of 2025. When all beneficiaries are included, the average payment currently stands at $1,864.87.
Here is an SSA historical data showing the average benefits for retirees through 2025:
- January: $1,978.77
- March: $1,997.13
- June: $2,005.05
This year’s trend shows that payments have been increasing slowly but consistently each season. This increase amounts to an average seasonal increase of about 0.49%. This increase is however not enough to keep up with inflation.
Your Winter 2025 Social Security Check Will Be Slightly Higher Than January’s
If the current trend continues, the average worker should expect roughly $2,018.15 in December. That’s an increase of about $39.38 from January’s payments.
Paper Checks Are Gone for Good
The winter checks arrive a few months after a new rule that required millions of beneficiaries to switch to direct deposit took effect following President Trump’s directive to end paper checks. The compliance deadline was September 30, 2025. Beneficiaries who previously relied on mailed payments were required to switch to either direct deposit into a bank account, or a Direct Express prepaid debit card.
Who’s Getting Paid This Week? November 12 Payment Schedule
According to the SSA’s calendar, beneficiaries born between the first and tenth of their birth month are expected to get their November payment on Wednesday, November 12.
The payment system runs as follows:
- Birthdays 1 through 10: Paid on the second Wednesday
- 11th–20th birthday: paid on the third Wednesday
- Birthdays 21–31: Paid on the fourth Wednesday
Unless it falls on a weekend or holiday, anyone who started receiving Social Security before May 1997 are paid on the third day of the month. The timetable for those who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is different; they receive their SSI payment on the first business day of the month and their Social Security payment on the third day of the month.
SSI Payment Dates for the Rest of 2025 and Early 2026
One unusual change was made to this year’s payment schedule. Because November 1 fell on a Saturday, SSI beneficiaries received their November benefit early, on October 31.
The dates of upcoming SSI payments are:
- December 1, 2025: December payment
- December 31, 2025: January 2026 payment
- January 30, 2026—February payment
- February 27, 2026: March payment
A Bigger Boost Is Coming Soon Following the 2026 COLA
A October 24, the SSA announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2026. That’s higher than the 2.5% COLA for 2025. However, it is slightly below the 10-year COLA average of 3.1%.
If December’s average benefit reaches $2,018.15 as expected, then the average check in January will rise to roughly $2,074.66 in January.
Although winter payments may not represent a major increase, the anticipated early 2026 increase is shaping up to deliver a much-needed rise for millions of retirees. With inflation still squeezing budgets nationwide, every extra dollar will provide financial relief to families as the new year begins.