Social Security payments December 2025: Millions of Americans are watching closely as a new round of Social Security payments rolls out this week, with some retirees eligible for checks as high as $4,018. The figure represents the maximum monthly benefit for 2025, and only a small group of high-earning, full-retirement-age beneficiaries qualify for it. But for many households, this week’s payment still brings important relief as the year ends and the 2026 COLA adjustment nears.