In November, many Americans receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) may notice something unusual—two payments arriving within the same month. This is not due to a financial bonus, but rather a shift in the SSA’s regular payment schedule. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their regular monthly payment on November 1st, followed by an advance payment for December on November 29th. This schedule change occurs because December 1st falls on a Sunday, prompting the SSA to distribute payments early. Additionally, some individuals may receive a third payment in November, depending on their eligibility for retirement benefits.
Who Will Receive Two Payments in November?
The beneficiaries of the SSI program—primarily adults with disabilities, seniors with limited incomes, and children with disabilities—are the primary recipients of the two payments in November. SSI payments are typically distributed on the first of each month, and to ensure beneficiaries receive their payments without delay, the SSA has established a practice of distributing benefits early when the regular payment date falls on a weekend or holiday.
In November, the first SSI payment will be delivered on November 1st, as usual, and the second payment, for December, will arrive on November 29th. While this might seem like a bonus, it’s simply an advance of December’s payment, ensuring beneficiaries have continued access to their financial support without any disruption.
Can Some People Receive a Third Check?
Yes, some individuals could receive a third check in November, specifically those who qualify for both SSI and Social Security retirement benefits. Retirement benefits follow a different payment schedule than SSI, with payments determined by the beneficiary’s birth date. For instance:
- Beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive their Social Security retirement benefits on November 13th.
- Those born between the 11th and 20th will be paid on November 20th.
- Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st will receive their payments on November 27th.
For those who qualify for both programs, the combination of retirement benefits and two SSI payments in November could mean three payments in total.
How Much Do SSI Recipients Receive?
The amount SSI recipients receive depends on various factors, including their filing category and eligibility criteria. As of 2024, the typical payment amounts are as follows:
| Filing Category | Monthly SSI Payment (2024) |
|---|---|
| Average Payment | $698 |
| Eligible Individuals | Up to $943 |
| Eligible Couples | Up to $1,415 |
| Essential Person (EP) | Additional $472 |
Additionally, starting in January 2025, SSI recipients will see a boost in their payments due to a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment is designed to help offset inflation and the rising cost of living.
Payment Increase Due to COLA
The COLA adjustment will increase the SSI payment amounts as follows, starting in January 2025:
| SSI Benefits | Current Payment | Payment with 2.5% COLA |
|---|---|---|
| Average Payment | $698 | $716 |
| Eligible Individuals | $943 | $967 |
| Eligible Couples | $1,415 | $1,451 |
| Essential Person | $472 | $484 |
However, since the first of January 2025 is a holiday, the SSA will issue January payments early, on December 31, 2024.
What to Do If Payments Are Late
If an expected SSI or Social Security payment does not arrive on the scheduled date, beneficiaries are advised to wait at least three mailing days before contacting customer service. Payment delays can happen, but they are usually resolved quickly.
Key Takeaways for November Payments
- SSI beneficiaries will receive two payments in November: one for November (on the 1st) and an advance December payment (on the 29th).
- Some individuals who qualify for both SSI and Social Security retirement benefits may receive a third payment in November, depending on their birthdate.
- SSI recipients will see a 2.5% increase in their benefits starting in January 2025 due to the COLA adjustment, although these payments will be issued in late December 2024.
By understanding the SSA’s payment schedule and adjustments, beneficiaries can better plan their finances and ensure they are aware of any potential changes to their benefits.
Why am I getting two Social Security payments in November?
SSI recipients are receiving two payments in November because the first of December falls on a Sunday, so the December payment will be issued on November 29th as an advance.
Will I get extra money in November?
While you may receive two payments, the second payment is for December, so it’s not an additional bonus.
Can I receive three payments in November?
Yes, if you qualify for both SSI and Social Security retirement benefits, you may receive three payments, depending on the timing of your retirement benefits.
