The second wave of Social Security payments for December is scheduled to be distributed this week, less than a month until the upcoming cost-of-living adjustment takes effect.
Following the December payments, recipients will receive larger checks thanks to a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Payments will rise by about $56 per month, on average, when the COLA takes effect in January 2026, the Social Security Administration said.
Apart from the payment adjustments, Social Security beneficiaries have seen other changes, including the move away from paper checks to direct deposit to bank accounts or a Direct Express card.
Here’s what you need to know about this week’s Social Security payments.
Beneficiaries who were born between the 11th and 20th day of their birth month are set to receive their monthly Social Security benefit on Wednesday, Dec. 17, according to the SSA’s payment calendar.
