Retirees: Expect Your $1,927 Social Security Payment Today or Next Week
Retirees in the United States may not have received their December Social Security check or direct deposit yet. For those born between the 1st and 10th of the month, December 11 will be their payday, provided they filed and were approved for benefits after April 30, 1997. However, those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will not receive their payment on December 11.
The amount of the payment will depend on individual earnings. The average retirement benefit for December is $1,927, but the amount can vary. Those with higher lifetime earnings could receive up to $4,873, while individuals who earned less may receive a smaller amount.
If you didn’t receive your payment on December 3 and you don’t qualify for the December 11 payment, there are two more opportunities. The next payment will be issued on December 18 for those born between the 11th and 20th of the month, as long as they meet the same filing criteria and are not on SSI.
Additionally, retirees will receive their Social Security payment on December 24, instead of December 25, since the 25th is a Federal Holiday. Payments are issued early to ensure retirees receive their benefits before the holiday.
Requirements for Social Security Benefits in December 2024 and January 2025
To qualify for Social Security benefits, you must:
- Be at least 62 years old (though benefits will be reduced if you file early)
- File for Social Security and wait for approval
- Have earned at least 40 work credits
For those seeking a larger monthly benefit, delaying retirement until age 70 can increase monthly payments by about 24%. If you earn the taxable maximum for 35 years in jobs covered by Social Security, your monthly payment could reach up to $5,108 in 2025, an increase from $4,873 in 2024.
