As November kicks off, beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program should be aware that they won’t receive any SSI payments in December. Instead, SSI recipients will get two payments in November due to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) scheduling adjustments around weekends and holidays. For this year, since December 1 falls on a weekend, the SSA has scheduled December’s SSI payment for the last business day of November, ensuring that beneficiaries won’t miss out or experience any disruption.
Eligibility Requirements for SSI Payments
The SSI program is managed by the SSA but funded by the U.S. Treasury and sometimes supplemented by state funds. SSI primarily aims to assist elderly and disabled individuals with limited income. According to SSA guidelines, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:
- Income: Limited or no income.
- Resources: Few or no personal financial resources.
- Age or Disability: Applicants must be 65 or older, have a qualifying disability, or be blind.
For 2024, maximum monthly SSI benefits are set at $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples. Unlike Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which requires a work history, SSI does not require applicants to have previous employment history. SSDI is a separate program that provides benefits based on a person’s work record, primarily assisting those who’ve worked long enough but are no longer able to work due to disability.
November’s Adjusted SSI Payment Schedule
Because the SSA schedules payments based on the first day of each month, weekends and holidays can affect payment dates. With December 1 falling on a Sunday, the SSA has adjusted its schedule to send December’s payment early on Friday, November 29. Here’s the adjusted SSI payment schedule for the remainder of 2024:
- November 1: Standard November payment
- November 29: Early December payment (to account for the weekend on December 1)
Additionally, SSI beneficiaries will receive an early payment on December 31, 2024, in place of January 1, 2025, which is a holiday. This scheduling ensures uninterrupted access to benefits for all eligible SSI recipients.Upcoming Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025
The SSA’s recent announcement of a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will increase SSI payments in 2025. Effective in January 2025, this COLA increase reflects the inflation adjustments announced on October 10. Expected increases are as follows:
| SSI Benefits Category | Current Average Payment | 2025 Payment with COLA Increase | Increase Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| On Average | $698 | $715 | $17 |
| Individual Recipients | $943 | $967 | $24 |
| Couples | $1,415 | $1,450 | $35 |
| Essential Person* | $472 | $484 | $12 |
*Essential persons are those who live with SSI beneficiaries and provide essential care and support.
Simplified SSI Application Process Launching Soon
The SSA recently announced a new, more accessible online SSI application system, called iClaim, set to launch by the end of this year. The iClaim system aims to make applications easier and faster by streamlining the process with simplified questions. Initially, the new system will only be available to specific first-time applicants:
- Eligibility for iClaim: First-time applicants who are unmarried, between 18 and 65, and applying for both Social Security and SSI benefits.
- Future Expansion: In 2025, the SSA plans to expand iClaim access to a wider range of applicants.
For eligible individuals, iClaim will be a more efficient alternative to the traditional application process, potentially reducing wait times for initial benefit decisions.
Why are SSI recipients getting two payments in November?
Since December 1 is a weekend day, the SSA is issuing December’s SSI payment on the previous business day, which is November 29.
Do all SSI recipients qualify for the Cost of Living Adjustment in 2025?
Yes, the COLA increase applies to all SSI recipients and will adjust payments starting in January 2025.
What are the maximum SSI payment amounts in 2024?
For 2024, individuals can receive up to $943 monthly, while couples can receive up to $1,415.
