List of Americans Eligible for Extra Social Security Check in November – It’s Official

In November 2024, millions of Americans will receive an extra Social Security check due to a quirk in the regular payment schedule. This situation arises from how the Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes benefits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and regular Social Security beneficiaries. While some might see this extra check as a bonus, it’s actually an advanced payment to accommodate bank closures on the usual payment date.

Which Americans Will Get an Extra Social Security Check?

According to the SSA’s 2024-2025 payment schedule, certain Social Security recipients will receive two payments in November: one on November 1, 2024, and another on November 29, 2024. However, the payment on November 29 is not a bonus but an early payment for December, designed to ensure beneficiaries receive their funds even when banks are closed.

This primarily impacts recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which includes individuals who are blind, disabled, or over the age of 65 with limited financial resources. Typically, SSI beneficiaries receive payments on the first of each month. Since December 1, 2024, falls on a weekend, the SSA moves the payment to November 29, ensuring the money arrives when banks are open.

Although this early payment in November might seem like a windfall, beneficiaries should note that they will still receive their regular December payment at the end of the month, on December 31. This payment structure ensures that SSI recipients receive their January payment before the new year begins.

SSI Payment Schedule for the End of 2024

The SSA’s adjustment of payment dates for the end of 2024 follows a specific pattern:

Month	SSI Payment Date	Advanced Payment
October	October 1, 2024	–
November	November 1, 2024	November 29, 2024 (for December)
December	December 31, 2024	(for January)

The early payments in November and December are typical when payment dates conflict with weekends or holidays. This rescheduling prevents delays for SSI beneficiaries, who rely on these funds for essential expenses.

Impact of the 2025 COLA on SSI Payments

In addition to the modified payment schedule, SSI beneficiaries will see an increase in their benefits due to the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The SSA has announced a 2.5% increase, one of the lowest adjustments in recent years, but it still provides some relief to the 7 million SSI beneficiaries.

Here’s a breakdown of how the COLA impacts different groups of SSI recipients:

Beneficiary Type	2024 SSI Benefit	2025 SSI Benefit	Increase
Individual	$943	$967	$24
Couple	$1,415	$1,450	$35
Essential Person	$472	$484	$12

This increase, while modest, helps cover rising daily expenses for beneficiaries. Despite the small boost, the extra income could be crucial for some, especially in combating poverty and managing living costs.

When to Expect Your Social Security Check

For most Social Security recipients who claimed benefits after May 1997, payments are distributed based on the beneficiary’s birthdate, typically arriving on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month. SSI beneficiaries, however, usually receive payments on the first of the month, unless there is a conflict with weekends or holidays.

If a payment does not arrive as scheduled, beneficiaries should wait at least three mailing days before contacting customer service. Often, delays are due to bank processing times rather than an issue with the SSA. Beneficiaries can also check their payment status and download financial statements through their My Social Security account.

While some Social Security recipients will receive two payments in November 2024, it’s important to understand that the second check is not a bonus. Instead, it is an early payment due to the upcoming holiday schedule.

SSI beneficiaries, in particular, will see this adjustment, along with a slight increase in their monthly benefits due to the 2025 COLA. Beneficiaries should stay informed about payment dates and use the SSA’s online resources for any additional information regarding their benefits.