Social Security update: December direct payment worth $943 in 27 days
Eligible recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive December’s payment on November 29, amounting to as much as $943 for individuals. The payment schedule shift occurs because December 1 falls on a Sunday, so the Social Security Administration (SSA) will issue December’s check in advance. Many beneficiaries received their first November payment on November 1, as is standard.
Eligibility and Payment Amounts
SSI payments are intended for individuals living with disabilities that impact their income and are provided based on need. The monthly payment amounts vary:
- Individuals can receive up to $943 per month.
- Couples filing jointly may qualify for up to $1,415 per month.
- Essential persons, who provide care to SSI recipients, can receive up to $472 per month.
These payments reflect a 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment implemented to keep up with inflation.
Eligibility Requirements for SSI
To qualify for SSI, applicants must meet specific requirements. Recipients generally need to be at least partially blind or have a physical or mental condition that restricts daily activities for 12 months or more. Conditions expected to result in death may also qualify individuals for benefits.
SSI and Social Security Benefits: Key Differences
While both SSI and Social Security benefits are managed by the SSA, they serve different purposes. Recipients of Social Security payments do not automatically qualify for SSI, and vice versa, as SSI focuses specifically on individuals with limited income due to disability.
Estimating Benefits
Eligible recipients can use the SSA’s online calculator to estimate their monthly benefits based on individual circumstances.