Why are some SSI Recipients getting an extra check in November, but none in December?
According to Marca, If you’re a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may notice a unique payment schedule this November: two checks issued in one month, with none coming in December. Although this might be confusing, it’s a routine scheduling quirk from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that occurs occasionally.
Understanding the Payment Schedule
The SSA typically distributes SSI payments on the first day of each month. However, when the first falls on a weekend or a holiday, payments are issued on the last business day of the preceding month. This year, December 1 lands on a Sunday, prompting the SSA to issue December’s payment a couple of days early on Friday, November 29.
Consequently, SSI recipients will receive both their regular November 1 payment and an early December payment on November 29. As a result, December will have no scheduled payment date for the approximately 7.4 million SSI recipients in 2024. This slight shift can significantly impact monthly budgeting and planning.
What This Means for Recipients
While this isn’t the first instance of such a schedule (a similar occurrence took place in August), the double payment month can catch recipients off guard, especially with no deposit in December. “It’s just a timing adjustment,” explains AARP, noting that the SSA implements this early payment strategy to ensure beneficiaries receive their funds without disruption, even when the calendar presents challenges.
Receiving two checks in quick succession can have both positive and negative implications for those who rely on these monthly benefits. On one hand, the November 29 payment may be particularly helpful as it arrives just before the holiday season. On the other hand, careful budgeting will be essential since there won’t be a payment in December.
Planning Ahead for 2025
Understanding this timing is crucial to avoid any confusion regarding missing checks. For those interested, the SSA provides a payment calendar available for download, detailing the entire year’s schedule for better planning.
This year’s double payment is especially noteworthy as beneficiaries look ahead to 2025, when the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be smaller than in 2024. With inflation rates cooling, Social Security recipients will receive a 2.5% COLA increase next year, translating to roughly $50 more per month. SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley states that this adjustment aims to “help people keep up with expenses as inflation eases,” even though it’s less substantial than in previous years.
Conclusion
While SSA schedules can be complex, these adjustments are designed to ensure that individuals dependent on SSI won’t experience gaps in their monthly support, even when the calendar isn’t aligned favorably.
