WPBN: Millions of Americans rely on Social Security benefits as a safety net, particularly those who are retired or disabled. In December 2024, certain beneficiaries will get payments of approximately $1,800, depending on their circumstances.
The following factors determine who might see this sum in their bank account: A worker’s age at the time of claim, lifetime earnings, and other personal factors all affect how much they receive in Social Security benefits.
Those with higher lifetime earnings often receive larger benefits because $1,800 per month just slightly surpasses the national average benefit of $1,767 in 2024.
It is important to recognize that delayed retirement credits, which increase benefits until age 70, may result in higher monthly incomes for those who choose to claim their benefits after reaching full retirement age (FRA).
December’s first Social Security benefits and significant adjustments for American seniors
Up until December 2024, Social Security payments are based on dates of birth. On Wednesday, December 11, pensioners whose birthdays occur between the 1st and the 10th will receive their payments.
Those born between December 11 and December 20 will receive their benefits on Wednesday, December 18, and those born between December 21 and December 31 will receive their benefits on Wednesday, December 24.
Due to the fact that December 1 comes on a Sunday, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which normally is paid at the beginning of the month, was paid early on Friday, November 29.
For the remainder of their working years, recipients typically had regular, well-paying employment, or they deliberately delayed their claims in order to get $1,800 or more.
The overall amount received may also be impacted by spousal or survivor benefits, particularly if one spouse made substantially more than the other.
To find out their expected benefit, anyone may check their Social Security statement on the official Social Security website. The software provides customized data on monthly payments, earnings history, and the impact of varying claiming ages on benefits.
What is the amount that recipients will get in December from their Social Security checks?
Retired workers, survivors, handicapped individuals, and SSI beneficiaries will get the following payment amounts this month in accordance with the Social Security Administration’s current guidelines:
| Social Security payments | Retirement benefits | Survivors benefits | Disability benefits | SSI benefits |
| On average | $1,900 | $1,505 | $1,537 | $698 |
| Other payments | Age 62: $2,710 Age 67: $3,822 Age 70: $4,873 | Individual: $1,773 2 Children: $3,653 | Blind recipients: $2,590 Maximum payment: $3,822 | Individuals: $943 Couples: $1,415 Essential person: $472 |
What information should recipients be aware of regarding 2025 Social Security checks?
In October, Social Security announced a 2.5% COLA adjustment for claimants in 2025. The hike will increase the average monthly payout from $1,927 in 2024 to $1,976 (or from $3,014 in 2024 to $3,089 for a couple receiving benefits).
This will be the lowest increase since 2020, when the cost of living adjustment was 1.6%. In 2023, benefits rose by 8.7%, which was consistent with a significant price increase the year before.
A decline in the rate of inflation in the third quarter of 2024 relative to the same period the year before is factored into the 2025 adjustment.
Big Changes Coming to Social Security, VA, and Disability Benefits Starting January 1
Its foundation is the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) index’s percentage increase. The following Social Security benefits will be paid to recipients each month as a result of the 2.5% COLA increase:
| Retirement benefits (Plus 2.5%) | Survivor benefits (Plus 2.5%) | SSDI benefits (Plus 2.5%) | SSI benefits (Plus 2.5%) |
| On average: $1,948 Age 62: $2,778 Age 67: $3,918 Age 70: $4,995 | On average: $1,543 Individual: $1,817 2 Children: $3,744 | On average: $1,575 Blind recipients: $2,655 Maximum payment: $3,918 | On average: $715 Individuals: $967 Couples: $1,450 Essential person: $484 |
