Millions of Americans receiving $967 SSI checks and December Social Security payments are experiencing unusual deposit timing as the year ends. The changes are driven by federal holiday rules and the early appearance of the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for some recipients.
While the timing can look confusing, officials say it does not increase annual benefits, only when payments arrive.
$967 SSI Checks and December Social Security Payments
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max SSI (2025) | $967 individual; $1,450 couple |
| 2026 COLA | 2.8% |
| Why December is unusual | Jan. 1 federal holiday |
| Two SSI deposits? | Yes, but one is January paid early |
| Extra money? | No |
Understanding SSI vs. Social Security
Although often grouped together, SSI and Social Security are different programs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Needs-based program
- Funded by general tax revenue
- Paid on the 1st of each month
- Maximum federal benefit in 2025: $967
Social Security (Retirement, SSDI, Survivors)
- Earned benefit based on work history
- Funded by payroll taxes
- Paid on a Wednesday schedule tied to birthdate
Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration, but their payment rules differ — which explains the December confusion.
Why the $967 SSI Check Is Important
The $967 figure represents the maximum federal SSI payment for an individual in 2025. Many recipients receive less due to:
- Countable income
- Living arrangements
- State-level adjustments
However, $967 is the benchmark used for COLA calculations and national headlines.
Why SSI Recipients Often See Two Payments in December
SSI payments are normally issued on the first day of the month. If that day falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is moved to the previous business day.
In this case:
- December 1, 2025 → Regular December SSI payment
- January 1, 2026 → Federal holiday
- December 31, 2025 → January SSI payment issued early
This results in two deposits in December, but only one monthly benefit for each month.
What Happens in January 2026
Because January’s SSI payment is issued on December 31:
- No SSI payment arrives in January
- The next payment is February 1, 2026 (or earlier if it’s a weekend)
This gap often surprises recipients and can cause budgeting issues if they are unaware of the schedule.
How the 2026 COLA Shows Up Early for SSI
The 2026 COLA is 2.8%, applied to benefits starting in January.
Because SSI’s January payment is moved to December 31:
- SSI recipients see the COLA increase before the year ends
- Maximum SSI rises from about $967 to roughly $994
This early COLA does not apply to Social Security retirement or SSDI payments.
Why Social Security Retirement and SSDI Are Different
Social Security benefits follow a birthdate-based Wednesday schedule:
- Birthdays 1–10 → Second Wednesday
- Birthdays 11–20 → Third Wednesday
- Birthdays 21–31 → Fourth Wednesday
COLA increases for these benefits appear with January 2026 payments, not December.
Even when Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve falls near payment dates, Social Security payments are usually not moved, because they fall on regular banking days.
State SSI Supplements: Why Amounts Vary
Many states add optional SSI supplements, which:
- Increase monthly payments
- Are paid separately or combined with federal SSI
- Vary widely by state
The $967 figure refers only to the federal portion. Recipients in states with supplements may see higher total deposits.
Banking and Direct Deposit Timing
Direct deposit timing can vary:
- Some banks post deposits early
- Others post on the official payment date
- Credit unions often release funds sooner
This can make it appear as if payments arrived on different days, even though SSA sent them at the same time.
Medicare Premiums and Net COLA Gains
For Social Security recipients, COLA increases can be partially offset by:
- Medicare Part B premiums
- Income-related adjustments
SSI recipients typically do not have Medicare premiums deducted directly from SSI, but people who receive both SSI and Social Security may see mixed results.
Common Budgeting Mistakes in December
Financial counselors say common errors include:
- Treating December 31 SSI as “extra money”
- Spending January funds in December
- Forgetting there is no January SSI payment
Experts recommend mentally labeling the December 31 deposit as January income.
Myth vs. Fact
Myth: December has bonus SSI checks
Fact: January’s payment is just paid early
Myth: Everyone gets $967
Fact: $967 is the maximum federal amount
Myth: Social Security COLA shows up in December
Fact: Only SSI sees COLA early due to holiday timing
Why SSA Uses This System
The early-payment rule exists to:
- Prevent missed payments
- Avoid holiday banking closures
- Ensure uninterrupted access to benefits
SSA officials say changing the rule would create more harm than benefit.
Looking Ahead: Will This Happen Again?
Yes. Any time:
- The 1st of the month falls on a weekend or holiday
- Especially January 1
Similar timing shifts will occur. December is simply the most visible example.
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What Recipients Should Do
- Review SSA payment calendars yearly
- Track deposits carefully in December
- Plan ahead for the January gap
- Rely on official SSA sources for updates
FAQs About $967 SSI Checks and December Social Security Payments
Is December 31 extra money?
No, it’s January’s payment paid early.
Will I get SSI in January 2026?
No. January’s payment arrives December 31.
Why did my neighbor get paid on a different day?
Bank processing times vary.
Does COLA apply to everyone?
Yes, but timing differs by program.
