Social Security Benefits: Who's Getting Paid Today, Wednesday, December 10th?
Are you ready to dive into the world of Social Security payments? Today, Wednesday, December 10th, millions of Americans will receive their Social Security benefits. But who's on the receiving end of this financial support? Let's take a closer look at the distribution schedule and find out.
Who's Getting Paid Today?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is sending out benefits to certain recipients of retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and survivor checks. Most recipients get their money on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month. So, for December, the schedule is as follows:
- Born on the 1st to 10th of each month: Wednesday, December 10th
- Born on the 11th to 20th of each month: Wednesday, December 17th
- Born on the 21st to 31st of each month: Wednesday, December 24th
Who Doesn't Get Paid on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday in December?
- Certain long-term Social Security recipients: If you started claiming retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits before May 1997, your check typically goes out on the third day of each month, regardless of your birthdate. So, these recipients were scheduled to be paid on Wednesday, December 3rd.
- SSI beneficiaries: The nearly 7.4 million recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are normally paid on the first day of each month. Therefore, December's SSI payments were due on Monday, December 1st.
- Dual beneficiaries (SSI + regular Social Security): Around 2.5 million people in the U.S. receive both SSI and one of the SSA's retirement, SSDI, or survivor benefits. These recipients were scheduled to get the former on December 1st, followed by the latter on December 3rd.
Payment Dates Not Determined by Birthday
- SSI recipients: Monday, December 1st
- Pre-May '97 Social Sec. beneficiaries: Wednesday, December 3rd
- Dual recipients: SSI on Monday, December 1st; Social Sec. on Wednesday, December 3rd
How Much is Paid to Social Security Retirement Beneficiaries?
Retired workers, who make up the majority of Social Security recipients, are paid an average of $2,012.30 per month, according to the SSA's latest figures. However, the agency's latest Social Security fact sheet provides data for October due to the disruption caused by the fall's 43-day government shutdown.
How Much Do Disability, Survivor, and SSI Beneficiaries Get?
- Disabled workers: $1,588.44 per month on average
- Survivor benefits recipients: $1,575.89 per month on average
- SSI beneficiaries: $717.51 per month on average
COLA Rise in 2026 Benefits
In October, the SSA confirmed that its beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% increase in payments in 2026, as part of the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). For retirement benefits recipients, this will translate into an average rise of $56 per month, the SSA says.
The first recipients of the new monthly payments will be SSI scheme beneficiaries, with their January money sent out on December 31st, 24 hours earlier than normal, as New Year's Day is a federal holiday.
How Does Social Security Send Out Benefits?
The SSA is no longer offering paper checks to most beneficiaries. Instead, recipients can choose between two electronic payment methods:
- Direct deposit: By supplying the SSA with their bank details, recipients can get their benefits directly deposited into their accounts. You can update your bank account information on the agency's 'my Social Security' online portal.
- Debit Express Card: Recipients can also have their benefits paid onto the Direct Express Card, a special debit card for federal disbursements made to people without a bank account.
So, there you have it! Today, Wednesday, December 10th, is the day millions of Americans receive their Social Security benefits. But remember, the payment schedule can vary depending on your birthdate and other factors. Stay tuned for more updates on Social Security payments and other financial news!
