As November approaches, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed the payment schedule for the month, with some minor adjustments for specific beneficiaries. Social Security provides monthly benefits to recipients of retirement, survivor, and disability insurance, but these payments are not issued to everyone on the same date. The timing depends on the type of benefit, the beneficiary’s birth date, and in some cases, how long they have been receiving benefits.
Confirmed Social Security Payment Schedule for November
In November, beneficiaries from both the Retirement, Survivor, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) programs and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program will receive their payments according to the schedule outlined below.
Retirement Benefits
Retirement benefits are available to individuals who have reached the full retirement age and have contributed to Social Security for at least 10 years. There are over 64 million retired workers in the United States, and the SSA has designated the following dates for their payments:
- November 1st: Retirees who began claiming benefits before May 1997 will receive their payments on this date.
- November 13th: Retirees with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month will receive their checks.
- November 20th: Retirees with birthdays between the 11th and 20th will receive their payments.
- November 27th: Retirees with birthdays between the 21st and 31st will receive their checks.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which supports individuals with disabilities or those over 65 with low incomes, will receive their regular monthly benefits on November 1st. This payment schedule coincides with retirees who claimed benefits before May 1997. SSI payments typically fall on the first of the month, but because November 1st lands on a weekday, payments will be made as scheduled.
Additionally, a scheduling quirk means that SSI recipients will receive a second payment in November. This is because December 1st, the typical SSI payment date, falls on a Sunday. To avoid delays, the SSA will issue December’s payment on the preceding business day, November 29th. It’s important to note that this is not an extra payment but simply an early disbursement for December.
Missed Payments and SSA Recommendations
If you do not receive your Social Security payment on the expected date, the SSA recommends waiting at least three mailing days before contacting their customer service. Payment delays can occur due to various reasons, such as bank processing times or postal service delays.
Additional Adjustments for November and COLA Increase
Aside from the regular payments, the SSA also recently announced changes to benefit amounts due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Starting in December for disability benefits and in January for retirement benefits, all Social Security recipients will see a 2.5% increase in their payments. This annual adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) and reflects the average inflation rate from the third quarter of the previous year to the same period in the current year.
The 2.5% COLA will result in an average monthly increase of approximately $46.80 for recipients who currently receive $1,870 per month. This increase aims to help beneficiaries keep up with rising living costs, although it is smaller than the previous year’s 3.2% increase.
Key Points for Social Security Beneficiaries
- Two Payments in November for SSI Recipients: Due to the timing of December 1st, SSI recipients will receive their December payment on November 29th, along with their regular November 1st payment.
- No Need to Report the Second November Payment: The second payment is not an error; it is simply an advance for December, so there is no need to contact the SSA about it.
- COLA Increase: The 2.5% COLA adjustment will begin in December for those on disability benefits and in January for retirees, helping to offset inflation.
In summary, Social Security beneficiaries should expect their payments according to the updated November schedule, with adjustments in place for SSI recipients receiving an early December payment. The SSA’s COLA increase, while smaller than in previous years, will also provide much-needed financial support as inflation continues to affect living expenses. Beneficiaries should remain aware of these schedule changes and the increase in benefits to plan their finances accordingly.
FAQs:
1. Why are SSI recipients getting two payments in November?
SSI recipients will receive two payments in November because December 1st falls on a Sunday, and the SSA issues payments early in such cases.
2. What is the COLA increase for 2025?
The COLA increase for 2025 is 2.5%, which will raise monthly benefits by an average of $46.80 for those receiving $1,870 per month.
3. When should I expect my Social Security payment if I was born between the 11th and 20th of the month?
If you were born between the 11th and 20th, you can expect your Social Security payment on November 20th.
4. What should I do if I don’t receive my payment on the scheduled date?
If your payment doesn’t arrive on time, wait at least three mailing days before contacting the SSA.
