As the holiday season reaches its peak, millions of Americans are keeping a close watch on their bank accounts. This week marks a significant moment for the Social Security Administration (SSA) as it prepares to distribute the final batch of payments for 2025. Despite a recent executive order that has expanded federal holiday closures, the agency has confirmed that electronic payments are still on track to reach eligible beneficiaries. This assurance comes at a critical time when many households are balancing holiday expenses with the anticipation of the upcoming 2026 cost-of-living adjustment.
The Impact of the New Holiday Schedule
A late-December executive order has significantly altered the traditional federal work week for late 2025. President Trump designated both Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve), and Friday, December 26, as federal holidays. This move created a rare five-day closure for Social Security field offices and phone services, spanning from Wednesday through Sunday. While this provides a well-deserved break for government employees, it initially sparked concerns among retirees and disability recipients regarding potential delays for the final checks of the year.
Fortunately, the SSA’s automated payment systems do not require physical offices to be open. The agency has clarified that while in-person services are suspended until Monday, December 29, the digital infrastructure used for direct deposits remains fully operational. This means that for the vast majority of recipients, the “holiday bridge” will have no impact on when their funds become available in their accounts.
Who Receives Payments This Week?
The final wave of December payments follows the standard SSA birthday-based schedule. The recipients expected to see funds this week are those with birthdays falling between the 21st and 31st of any month. Because the fourth Wednesday of December 2025 lands exactly on December 24, these beneficiaries are the primary group affected by the holiday timing.
| Recipient Birthday Range | Scheduled Payment Date | Status |
| 1st – 10th | December 10, 2025 | Completed |
| 11th – 20th | December 17, 2025 | Completed |
| 21st – 31st | December 24, 2025 | Processing Now |
| Pre-1997 Beneficiaries | December 3, 2025 | Completed |
| SSI Recipients | Dec 1 & Dec 31, 2025 | Next: Dec 31 |
Digital Deposits vs. Paper Checks
There is a distinct difference in how this week’s holiday schedule affects different payment methods. For those enrolled in direct deposit or the Direct Express® debit card program, the transfer of funds is handled by the Federal Reserve and private banking institutions. These entities have long-standing protocols for holiday processing, and deposits scheduled for Wednesday, December 24, are expected to post on time.
However, recipients who still rely on traditional paper checks delivered via the U.S. Postal Service may experience slight variances. With federal offices closed and mail volume at its annual peak, the SSA traditionally advises beneficiaries to wait at least three mail-delivery days before reporting a missing check. Given the extended holiday closure, the agency suggests waiting until after Monday, December 29, to contact them regarding any physical mail delays.
Anticipating the 2026 COLA Increase
The payments going out this week represent the final checks calculated under the 2025 benefit rates. Starting in January 2026, beneficiaries will see a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reflected in their payments. For the average retiree, this translates to an approximate increase of $56 per month. It is important to note that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will actually see this increase a bit earlier. Since January 1, 2026, is a federal holiday, the first COLA-adjusted SSI payment will be distributed on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
This transition period is often a time of high inquiry for the SSA. Since field offices are closed for the remainder of this week, beneficiaries are encouraged to use the “my Social Security” online portal to verify their upcoming benefit amounts or update their personal information. The portal remains accessible 24/7, even during federal holidays.
Preparing for Potential Delays
While the SSA expects a smooth delivery for electronic payments, individual bank policies can sometimes influence exactly what time of day funds appear. Some smaller credit unions or local banks may process holiday transfers earlier or later than national banks. If a payment does not appear as expected on the morning of the 24th, financial experts recommend checking with your specific bank before attempting to contact the SSA.
If a payment is genuinely missing after the holiday weekend, the SSA has established a protocol for reporting. Because of the office closures, phone and in-person assistance will resume at full capacity on Monday morning. Beneficiaries should have their Social Security number and bank details ready to expedite any inquiries regarding the final 2025 disbursement.
FAQs
Q1 Will Social Security offices be open on Friday, December 26?
No. Following the executive order, all Social Security field offices are closed from Wednesday, December 24, through Sunday, December 28. They will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 29.
Q2 When will I see my first 2026 COLA increase?
Most Social Security recipients will see the 2.8% increase in their January checks. However, SSI recipients will receive their first increased payment on December 31, 2025, because New Year’s Day is a holiday.
Q3 What should I do if my direct deposit hasn’t arrived by Christmas?
First, verify your payment date based on your birthday. If you were born after the 20th and the money isn’t there by the evening of December 24, contact your bank first. If the issue remains, you can contact the SSA when offices reopen on December 29.
Disclaimer: The content is intended for informational purposes only. You can check the official sources as our aim is to provide accurate information to all users.
