In the United States, millions of retirees rely on Social Security to maintain their financial stability. This program, which adjusts its payments annually through the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), has allowed benefits to grow in line with inflation. The next adjusted check is scheduled for December 18, and will be sent to Group 3 beneficiaries , who must meet specific requirements to get it.
The COLA 2024, applied since January, increased payments by 3.2%, reflecting the impact of inflation on daily costs. Although this increase has already been built into the checks throughout the year, each pay date is an opportunity to review how benefits are distributed and ensure they are getting them correctly. In addition, the month of December is key, as it includes the last regular payments of the year and a special Supplemental Security Income (SSI) advance for January 2025.
Requirements for the new Social Security payment with the increase
The December 18 check will be sent only to beneficiaries who belong to group 3. This group includes retirees who:
- Began getting their benefit after May 1997.
- Have a date of birth between the 11 and 20 of any month.
If you meet these two requirements, you will automatically get your payment on December 18. This process is handled directly by the Social Security Administration (SSA), ensuring that the check arrives by direct deposit or to the account of record.
It is important to note that although this payment includes the COLA 2024 increase, it does not represent an additional increase in December. The amount to be gotten will be the same as other checks sent during the year, but is still higher compared to the 2023 payments. This is due to the application of the cost-of-living adjustment, which protects beneficiaries’ purchasing power in the face of inflation.
Social Security covers different types of benefits, including regular retirement, disability, and widow’s and widower’s benefits. However, payment dates vary according to the group to which each beneficiary belongs, ensuring an organized and efficient system for millions of people.
Remaining Social Security payments in December 2025
In addition to the December 18 check, retirees should be aware of other important dates before the end of the year. These include the last regular Social Security payments and the January 2025 SSI advance . The key dates are as follows:
- December 24: This corresponds to group 4, which includes retirees born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
- December 31: On this date, the advance payment of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for January 2025 is sent. This advance payment occurs because January 1 is a national holiday, and the SSA ensures that beneficiaries do not face delays.
Planning your finances with these dates in mind is critical, especially if you rely solely on Social Security benefits. Advance payments, such as SSI, allow you to cover essential expenses at the start of the new year without hassle. For payments December 24, we must also take into account the retirement year, just as we do for the December 11 and 18 2024 payment.
The Impact of COLA and Financial Stability
The Cost of Living Adjustment has proven to be a crucial tool in maintaining financial stability for beneficiaries. While the 3.2% increase in 2024 is not as high as the 2023 increase, it still makes a significant difference in the day-to-day lives of those who rely on these benefits. To maximize benefits, it is important to be aware of payment dates and comply with the requirements set forth by the SSA.
With the December payments, the Social Security Administration closes the annual benefit cycle, paving the way for further adjustments and distributions in 2025. These checks not only reflect the government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens, but also represent a vital source of income for millions of United States households.