This November, some Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive an additional check due to a scheduling anomaly. The change comes as an added financial benefit before the year-end holiday season, but it means a slight adjustment to the usual December disbursement.
Why Some Will Get Extra Payments in November
SSI benefits, typically paid on the first business day of each month, are arriving earlier due to the calendar. Since December 1, 2024, falls on a Sunday, SSI checks will be issued on Friday, November 29. This means that SSI recipients will receive three payments in November but will not see another check until January 2025. In addition to this November adjustment, similar scheduling patterns will occur next year. For example, SSI payments scheduled for January 1, 2025, will be issued on December 31, 2024. This pattern continues throughout the year, leading to additional “double-payment” months and occasional skipped months.
| Month | Payment Date | Number of Payments |
|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | Nov. 1, Nov. 29 | 2 |
| December 2024 | – | 0 |
| January 2025 | Dec. 31 (2024) | 1 |
| February 2025 | Jan. 31 | 1 |
| March 2025 | – | 0 |
| May 2025 | May 1, May 30 | 2 |
| June 2025 | – | 0 |
This shift can impact recipients’ budgeting, as there may be longer periods without a monthly check. For those relying solely on SSI, it may be helpful to budget ahead to manage months without a scheduled payment.
Understanding Social Security and SSI Benefits
Social Security benefits are intended to support U.S. citizens with retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. The program is funded by contributions from employees, employers, and self-employed workers. Social Security replaces a portion of a worker’s income based on their lifetime earnings, retirement age, and other factors. Generally, beneficiaries may begin claiming retirement benefits as early as age 62, although delaying payments results in higher monthly amounts.
SSI, a separate program from Social Security, provides benefits to low-income individuals who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. Unlike Social Security, SSI does not require prior work credits, making it accessible for those who may not qualify for standard Social Security benefits. The SSI benefit is typically available for individuals with monthly income below a specified threshold, currently set at $1,971 for individual earnings. Additionally, individuals who believe they qualify for SSI have a faster application process set to launch soon, simplifying access to this critical financial support.
Social Security Payment Schedule for November
Regular Social Security retirement and disability benefits follow a set schedule each month based on the beneficiary’s birth date:
- Wednesday, November 13 – for birth dates between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- Wednesday, November 20 – for birth dates from the 11th to the 20th.
- Wednesday, November 27 – for birth dates from the 21st to the 31st.
Beneficiaries can track these dates through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) online calendar, a useful tool for budgeting and planning.
Upcoming Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025
Beginning in January 2025, Social Security payments will see a 2.5% increase due to the cost of living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment aims to help recipients keep pace with inflation and rising costs for daily essentials. The increase applies to retirement, survivor, disability, and SSI benefits.
Below is an outline of the estimated 2025 payment amounts after the COLA adjustment:
| Benefit Type | Monthly Payment Amount (2.5% Increase) |
|---|---|
| Retirement Benefits | |
| Average | $1,948 |
| Age 62 | $2,778 |
| Age 67 | $3,918 |
| Age 70 | $4,995 |
| Survivor Benefits | |
| Average | $1,543 |
| Individual | $1,817 |
| 2 Children | $3,744 |
| SSDI Benefits | |
| Average | $1,575 |
| Blind Recipients | $2,655 |
| Maximum Payment | $3,918 |
| SSI Benefits | |
| Average | $715 |
| Individuals | $967 |
| Couples | $1,450 |
| Essential Person | $484 |
The 2.5% increase will provide added financial support for beneficiaries to help cover living expenses amid inflation.
Why are SSI recipients receiving an extra payment in November?
SSI payments are issued on the first business day of each month. Since December 1, 2024, falls on a Sunday, the payment will be made on November 29. This results in two payments in November and none in December.
What is COLA, and how does it impact Social Security benefits?
COLA, or Cost of Living Adjustment, is an annual increase applied to Social Security benefits to help recipients keep pace with inflation. For 2025, the COLA adjustment is 2.5%, increasing monthly benefits for all recipients.
How are Social Security benefits calculated?
Social Security benefits are based on a worker’s earnings over their lifetime and the age at which they start claiming benefits. Higher lifetime earnings and delaying retirement past 62 generally result in higher benefits.
