Each month, Social Security recipients typically receive one payment. However, due to calendar nuances, some seniors may get an additional check in November, especially recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who will receive two payments due to an early December payout. This annual scheduling change may catch some off guard, but it ensures beneficiaries receive payments without delays around weekends and holidays.
Distribution Schedule for November SSI and Social Security Payments
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has structured its payment schedule to ensure that beneficiaries are informed about their exact payment dates throughout the year. Below is a breakdown of the schedule for SSI and Social Security benefits for November 2024:
- November 1st:
- SSI recipients will receive their standard November payment on Friday, November 1st.
- Individuals who receive both SSI and Social Security retirement benefits, or those who filed for Social Security before May 1997, will also receive their November payment on this date, since the regular schedule for these beneficiaries (usually the 3rd of the month) would fall on a Sunday.
- November 29th:
- SSI recipients will receive a second payment on Friday, November 29th. This early payment covers December’s SSI benefits, as December 1st falls on a Sunday. This two-payment setup in November is common and helps avoid delays from weekends and holidays.
This means SSI beneficiaries will see two checks in November—one on the 1st and another on the 29th. For SSI recipients who also receive Social Security, the November 1 payment replaces their regular payment date of the 3rd. All other Social Security beneficiaries will continue to receive payments based on their birth date as follows:
Social Security Retirement Payment Schedule for November
- November 13th: Individuals born from the 1st to the 10th of the month will receive their November check.
- November 20th: Those born between the 11th and the 20th will receive their benefits.
- November 27th: Payments for individuals born from the 21st through the 31st of the month will be distributed.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Payments for 2025
For 2025, Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase in their checks. This increase will raise the average monthly benefit by around $50, bringing it to approximately $1,976. This COLA adjustment aims to help recipients keep up with inflation.
- January COLA Payment Schedule:
- January 8th: Beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th will receive their first increased check.
- January 15th: Payments for recipients born between the 11th and 20th will be adjusted for COLA.
- January 22nd: Those born between the 21st and 31st of the month will receive their COLA-adjusted payment.
- Special Payment Date for Pre-May 1997 Recipients:
Beneficiaries who started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, or those who receive both retirement and SSI benefits, will see their first COLA adjustment on January 3rd. - SSI Recipients COLA Update:
SSI beneficiaries will receive their first COLA-increased payment on December 31, 2024. This early payment covers January’s benefits with the adjusted amount.
How the SSA Schedule Helps Beneficiaries
The SSA’s strategic payment adjustments ensure that beneficiaries avoid delays and benefit from early payments, especially around holidays. This annual advance scheduling helps recipients budget effectively and provides certainty in the payment schedule.
Why are SSI recipients getting two payments in November?
The second payment on November 29 is for December, issued early because December 1 falls on a Sunday.
What is the 2.5% COLA adjustment for 2025?
The 2.5% COLA adjustment will raise the average Social Security benefit to $1,976 per month starting in January 2025.
When will the COLA adjustment first appear in payments?
For most beneficiaries, the COLA will be reflected in payments issued on January 8, 15, or 22, depending on their birth date. SSI recipients, however, will see the increase with their December 31, 2024, payment.
