$2,831 Social Security check to arrive on Christmas Eve

• The third Social Security check for December will be deposited on December 24.
• It is a key source of income for millions of retirees during the Christmas season.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends checking the deposit through the SSA website.

The Social Security Christmas check will reach millions of beneficiaries on Tuesday, December 24, according to the official payment schedule of the Social Security Administration (SSA).

This deposit represents one of the most important sources of income of the month for retirees and people who depend on the program to cover basic expenses amid a high cost of living.

Social Security payments in December: key dates to know

The SSA payment system is organized according to each beneficiary’s date of birth. In December, individuals born between the 21st and the 31st of the month will receive their payment on Wednesday, December 24.

This structure allows deposits to be made in an orderly way and helps prevent delays.

There is one group with a different schedule. Those who began receiving benefits before May 1997 already received their deposit on the first Wednesday of the month, which in December was the 3rd.

In addition, the second payment of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is scheduled for December 31.

The SSA reminds beneficiaries that payments are made automatically, either through direct deposit or benefit cards.

How much money does each retired beneficiary receive?

The amount of the check varies depending on retirement age and total lifetime earnings. According to the SSA, those who retire at age 62 can receive up to $2,831 per month.

The average Social Security check is $1,959.22, calculated based on the 35 years with the highest earnings.

People who did not complete that period or had lower wages usually receive smaller payments, while those who delayed retirement may qualify for higher amounts.

Social Security Christmas check: vital help that stretches less each day

For more than nine million Hispanics in the United States, Social Security is an essential source of income.

In high-cost states such as New York, California, and Texas, the Social Security Christmas check is often used almost entirely to cover housing, food, medication, and basic utilities.

Receiving the payment before Christmas helps cover unavoidable end-of-year expenses, although for many it is not a bonus but a necessary income just to make it to the end of the month.

What comes next

Looking ahead to 2026, a 2.8% increase in Social Security benefits is expected.

Although this adjustment aims to offset rising living costs, debate continues over whether it will be sufficient to keep up with inflation and the real needs of retirees.