Some Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can expect an extra payment in November, but none in December. This may seem unusual, but it’s simply a result of the way the calendar falls this year.
SSI payments are typically issued on the first of each month. However, when the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends the payment on the last business day before that. This year, December 1 falls on a Sunday, meaning that December’s SSI payment will be sent early—on Friday, November 29.
As a result, SSI beneficiaries will receive two payments in November, one for that month and one for December, but no payment will be issued in December. A similar scenario happened earlier this year in August, when SSI recipients got their September payment at the end of August, leaving them with no SSI payment in September.
This kind of adjustment can occur again in future years. For instance, in 2025, January’s SSI payment will arrive on December 31, 2024, and February’s payment will arrive on January 31, 2025, leaving March without an SSI payment. The SSA ensures that despite these calendar quirks, recipients receive the correct number of payments annually.
What is SSI?
SSI provides financial support to individuals 65 years and older, or younger individuals with disabilities, who have limited income and resources. The maximum SSI benefit for an individual in 2024 is $943. It’s a crucial lifeline for millions of Americans with little or no income.
If you think you may be eligible for SSI benefits, the SSA is rolling out a more streamlined application process later this year.
Social Security Payment Schedule for November
For those receiving regular Social Security retirement benefits, payments will be made as usual in November:
- November 13: For those born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- November 20: For those born between the 11th and 20th
- November 27: For those born between the 21st and 31st
Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
Starting in December 2024, SSI recipients will also see an increase in their benefits due to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) announced by the SSA. This is lower than the previous year’s adjustment, reflecting lower inflation rates, but it will still help beneficiaries keep up with rising expenses.