$967 Social Security Payment Set for December 1 — Check Full Eligibility Criteria and Deposit Details

Social Security recipients will see a payment of up to $967 on December 1, 2025, as part of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. This payment is for eligible individuals who meet specific income and disability criteria. With the unique timing of this December payment, many beneficiaries may receive two deposits in one month. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, the deposit schedule, and what to expect in December.

$967 Social Security Payment

Overview of the $967 Social Security Payment

The $967 Social Security payment scheduled for December 1 is the monthly benefit for eligible recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This amount reflects the maximum federal SSI payment, which varies depending on individual circumstances. Some individuals may receive a lower amount if they have additional income or resources, as SSI is a need-based program.

What Is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled and who have very limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security, which is based on an individual’s work history, SSI is meant to support individuals who have a significant need but may not have the work history necessary to qualify for regular Social Security benefits.

For 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967 per month for eligible individuals. Couples who qualify for SSI can receive up to $1,450 a month.

However, it’s important to note that the exact amount an individual will receive can vary. Certain states provide additional supplements to the federal SSI amount, so the total monthly benefit can exceed the federal standard. The amount also depends on the recipient’s income, living arrangements, and other benefits they may be receiving.

Eligibility Criteria for $967 Social Security Payment

To qualify for the $967 Social Security payment on December 1, individuals must meet several requirements. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Age or Disability Status:
   The SSI program is available to individuals who are at least 65 years old, blind, or disabled according to the Social Security Administration’s definition. The disability must be severe enough to limit the ability to perform basic work tasks and be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
2. Income and Resources:
   Eligibility for SSI is largely based on income and resources. In 2025, individuals cannot have more than $2,000 in countable resources (such as savings and investments), and couples cannot have more than $3,000. Resources like a house, car, or life insurance may not count toward the limit, depending on circumstances. Income must also be below a certain threshold. While some income may be excluded, most earnings, pensions, or unearned income will be considered, reducing the amount of SSI a recipient can receive.
3. Residency and Citizenship:
   SSI is available only to U.S. citizens or certain qualified non-citizens, and the individual must reside in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands. SSI benefits are not available to residents of U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Why December 2025 Could Mean Two Payments

This December, SSI recipients will receive two payments due to a calendar quirk. While the regular December payment is set for December 1, recipients will also receive an early payment for January 2026 on December 31, because January 1 is a federal holiday.

The December 31 payment is simply an early distribution of January’s benefits, so recipients can access their funds before the New Year. This is a common practice when the first of the month falls on a holiday or weekend. For many recipients, this means they’ll receive their payment a day early, ensuring they don’t face delays.

It’s important to note that while it may seem like an extra payment, the December 31 payment is merely the January 2026 benefit being issued early. It does not count as a second payment for December.

How Will the $967 Social Security Payment Be Delivered?

Social Security payments are made electronically to recipients. The vast majority of individuals receive their $967 payment via direct deposit into a bank account. Others may receive their payment through a Direct Express card, a prepaid debit card issued by the U.S. Treasury. This card is an alternative to receiving a paper check and is used for those who do not have a bank account.

Direct deposit is typically the fastest and most reliable method for receiving payments. However, for those who do not have direct deposit set up, paper checks may still be issued, although these are less common today.

For 2025, recipients should expect their December 1 payment to arrive promptly, as December 1 falls on a Monday, ensuring that the payment will be processed without delays. If the first of the month were to fall on a weekend or holiday, however, the payment would be made on the previous business day.

Important Dates to Remember in December 2025

• December 1: Regular SSI payment for the month of December.
• December 31: Early payment for January 2026 due to the New Year holiday.

This unusual calendar timing is something recipients should keep in mind, especially since it could create confusion for those expecting only one payment in December.

What to Expect in December and Beyond

With two payments in one month, some SSI recipients might feel a temporary relief with a higher-than-usual deposit. However, recipients should remember that the second payment is simply an early distribution of January’s benefits and not an extra payment. This ensures continued support without disruption during the holiday period.

In terms of future changes, SSI benefits are typically adjusted annually for inflation. The amount of the federal payment can increase based on changes to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the cost of living. The 2025 increase in SSI payments reflects these inflationary adjustments.

The Role of State-Specific SSI Benefits

While the federal government administers the Supplemental Security Income program, many states offer additional benefits to SSI recipients. These state supplements can vary widely in amount and eligibility criteria.

For example, states like California and New York provide significant additional support, raising the total benefit beyond the federal maximum. Other states, such as Texas, provide no additional SSI benefits.

State-specific SSI payments are often automatically added to federal payments, and recipients who live in states with these benefits will see a higher total monthly payment.

If you’re unsure about whether your state offers additional SSI benefits, you can check with your local Social Security office or consult your state’s Social Security website for more information.

The Importance of SSI for Low-Income Individuals

For millions of Americans, Supplemental Security Income is a lifeline, providing essential financial support to those who may not be able to work due to age, disability, or blindness. According to the Social Security Administration, more than 8 million Americans receive SSI benefits, with the majority being elderly individuals or those with severe disabilities.

While SSI payments are vital, they are often not sufficient to cover all living expenses, particularly in high-cost areas. Many recipients supplement their SSI with other forms of support, such as food assistance programs, housing subsidies, or state-based supplemental payments.

Key Takeaways

• The $967 payment will be made on December 1, 2025, for eligible SSI recipients.
• Two payments in December: Recipients will also receive an early January 2026 payment on December 31.
• Eligibility depends on age, disability, income, and resources.
• Payments are issued by direct deposit or Direct Express card.

This December’s unique payment schedule is designed to ensure that those who rely on SSI can maintain financial support without interruption during the holiday season.

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