Retirees in the United States may not have gotten their December Social Security checks or direct deposits yet. If you were born between the 1st and 10th of December, your payday is on December 11. Of course, you must have filed and received approval after April 30, 1997. If you are on Supplemental Security Income, you will not be able to get this check on the 11th.
The amount will depend on your earnings. The average retirement benefit for December is $1,927, which is just one of several options. If you are not a high earner, you will not receive the maximum benefit payment of $4,873.
Social Security payment of $1,927 in one week
If you did not get your payment on December 3 and are not eligible for the check or direct transfer on December 11, there are two further options. The closest in time will be released on December 18.
The Administration has confirmed the December 18 payment for Social Security if your birthday falls between 11-20. Those retirees who qualified began receiving benefits after April 30, 1997. They are also ineligible for SSI.
Similarly, some retirees will receive their Social Security checks or deposits on December 24, rather than Wednesday, December 25. This is because the 25th is a federal holiday. Payments must be made in advance.
Requirements for Social Security in December 2024 or January 2025
You can claim retirement benefits up to 4 months before your desired monthly payment date. To claim Social Security, you must:
- be at least 62 years old, but the check will be reduced for early filing
- file for Social Security
- wait for approval
- have earned at least 40 work credits
Workers who seek a greater benefit amount in retirement can postpone retirement until they are 70. Their monthly payments will increase by nearly 24%. If you earn the taxable maximum for 35 years in SSA-covered jobs, you can receive up to $5,108 in 2025, up from $4,873 in 2024.