The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides essential financial support to low-income individuals and families, with payments typically scheduled for the first day of each month. However, if the first day of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reschedules the payment to avoid delays, ensuring recipients receive their funds when banks and SSA offices are open.
This adjustment will be in effect for November and December 2024, with an advance payment scheduled for November 29 instead of December 1, which falls on a Sunday. Here’s how this schedule adjustment affects SSI payments for the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.
Why SSI Payments Will Arrive Early on November 29, 2024
For SSI recipients, the December 1 payment is being moved to November 29, the last business day of November, as December 1 falls on a Sunday. This rescheduling ensures funds are accessible on a business day when banking institutions and SSA offices are operational.
Despite this early November payment, December will still include another SSI payday. To avoid delay due to the federal holiday on January 1, 2025, January’s SSI payment will be issued on December 31, 2024, including the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
SSI Payment Schedule for Late 2024 and Early 2025
To clarify the SSI payments for eligible recipients in November and December 2024, here’s how the payment schedule will work:
| Month | Payment Date | Reason for Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| November | November 1, 2024 | Regular SSI payment date |
| December | November 29, 2024 | December payment issued early due to weekend |
| January 2025 | December 31, 2024 | January payment issued early due to New Year’s holiday |
Payment Amounts and the 2025 COLA Increase
The COLA increase for 2025 will be applied to SSI payments starting with the December 31, 2024, deposit. Here are the payment amounts recipients can expect after the 2.5% increase:
- Individuals: Up to $967 (an increase from $943)
- Married Couples: Up to $1,450 (an increase from $1,415)
- Essential Persons (those living with and supporting an SSI recipient): Up to $484 (an increase from $472)
This COLA adjustment, designed to keep up with inflation, provides a modest increase for recipients to help cover rising living costs.
Who Qualifies for the Full SSI Payment?
Only certain recipients will qualify for the maximum monthly SSI benefit. This includes:
- Individuals with low income and few resources, eligible for up to $943 in November 2024, increasing to $967 in January 2025.
- Married Couples who both qualify for SSI benefits, eligible for up to $1,415 on November 29, increasing to $1,450 in January 2025.
- Essential Persons living with an SSI beneficiary may receive a supplement of up to $472 in November, which will increase to $484 in January 2025.
To receive the maximum SSI payment, individuals and couples must meet strict income and asset limits. Any additional income or resources could reduce SSI payments, with SSA adjusting amounts based on the recipient’s financial situation.
What to Expect for SSI Payments Going Forward
As SSI payments are scheduled in advance when the first of the month coincides with weekends or holidays, recipients should always stay informed of these adjustments to manage their finances effectively. The next early payment after December 31, 2024, will include the new COLA adjustment, which should be accounted for when planning monthly budgets.
Why is the SSI payment for December 2024 issued on November 29?
The December payment is advanced to November 29 because December 1 is a Sunday, and SSA prefers to issue payments on a business day.
Will there still be a December payment for SSI recipients?
Yes, there will be a payment on December 31, 2024, for January 2025, adjusted with the 2025 COLA increase.
How much will the COLA increase add to my SSI payments?
The 2025 COLA adjustment of 2.5% means individuals could receive up to $967, married couples up to $1,450, and essential persons up to $484 starting with the December 31 payment.
