Millions of Americans will receive an extra Social Security payment of up to $1,491 in December, thanks to a calendar quirk. This bonus check, worth up to $1,491, is a welcome boost to bank accounts during the holiday season. The Social Security Administration (SSA) typically distributes retirement, spousal, survivor, and disability benefits according to a predetermined schedule based on beneficiaries' birthdays. However, those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) have a different payment timeline. SSI is a monthly payment for individuals with limited income and resources who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. While SSI payments are generally sent out on the first of each month, there are exceptions. If the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment date is moved to the first business day prior to the weekend or holiday. In 2025, SSI beneficiaries received no payment in November due to this calendar quirk. As a result, they will receive two payments in December: the regular payment on December 1, 2025, and an additional payment on December 31, 2025, which is one day early due to New Year's Day being a federal holiday. The December payment will be the same amount as usual, but the January payment will be boosted by a 2.8% COLA adjustment. The SSI cap for 2025 is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, which will increase to $994 and $1,491, respectively, in 2026. Social Security benefits will also increase by 2.8% starting in January 2026, with the maximum allotment jumping by approximately $143 to $5,251. Americans will receive their new monthly benefit details for 2026 within weeks.
