SSI Recipients to Receive an Extra Check in November 2024: What You Need to Know

 

In November 2024, millions of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive an extra payment due to the way the calendar falls, offering financial relief ahead of the holiday season. Understanding the timing and reasons behind this extra check can help recipients budget and plan accordingly. In this article, we will break down why some SSI recipients will see two payments in November, how it impacts their December payments, and what it means for those receiving regular Social Security benefits.

Why SSI Recipients Are Getting an Extra Check in November 2024

SSI recipients typically receive one payment per month, usually on the first of the month. However, due to a calendar quirk in November 2024, some individuals will receive two payments — one on November 1 and a second on November 29.

The reason for this is that December 1, 2024, falls on a Sunday. Since the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not issue payments on weekends or federal holidays, the payment that would typically be distributed on December 1 will be sent on Friday, November 29, instead.

This isn’t a new phenomenon; it happens when the first of the month lands on a weekend or holiday. By issuing the December payment early, the SSA ensures that SSI recipients don’t experience a delay in their funds. However, it’s important to note that while there will be two checks in November, there will be no SSI payment in December.

Key Dates for SSI and Social Security Payments in November 2024

The November 2024 Social Security payments schedule can be a bit confusing, especially for those receiving both SSI and Social Security benefits. To help, here’s a breakdown of the important dates:

• Friday, November 1: SSI recipients will receive their regular monthly payment. Additionally, those who receive both SSI and Social Security will also get their Social Security payment on this date, rather than November 3, which falls on a Sunday.
• Wednesday, November 13: Social Security retirement beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive their regular Social Security payment.
• Wednesday, November 20: Social Security beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th of the month will get their Social Security payment.
• Wednesday, November 27: Social Security recipients born between the 21st and 31st of the month will receive their payment.
• Friday, November 29: SSI recipients will receive their second payment for the month, which is technically their December payment.

For those who only receive Social Security benefits and not SSI, the regular payment schedule applies, and there will be no additional checks in November.

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Understanding SSI and Its Role

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to people who are aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. Unlike Social Security benefits, which are based on work history and contributions to the Social Security system, SSI is need-based, meaning it is designed to help those with low or no income.

In November 2024, around 7.5 million people are expected to receive SSI payments, and the maximum benefit for an individual is $943 per month. Some SSI recipients also receive Social Security benefits, particularly those who became eligible for Social Security due to age (62 and older) or disability. For those in this category, November could bring three payments: two SSI payments and one Social Security check.

Managing Your SSI Payments: Why It’s Important to Plan Ahead

For SSI recipients, receiving two checks in November might feel like an unexpected windfall. However, it’s crucial to remember that this doesn’t represent extra money. The second payment is for December, so there will be no SSI check in December itself. Recipients should plan accordingly to avoid budgeting shortfalls during the holiday season.

The SSA clarifies that this early distribution is done to prevent individuals from having to wait longer than usual for their payment. SSI recipients are encouraged to budget their payments wisely, understanding that while November brings two checks, the next payment will not arrive until December 31, 2024 — which counts as the January 2025 payment.

Social Security and SSI Payment Schedules: What’s Coming in December 2024 and January 2025?

Looking ahead to December 2024 and January 2025, there will be additional payment schedule shifts that recipients should be aware of:

• December 31, 2024: SSI recipients will receive their first payment for 2025 on this date, as January 1 is a federal holiday.
• January 2025: The first regular Social Security payment of the year, including the new Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), will be distributed according to the usual schedule:
  • January 3: People who started collecting Social Security before May 1997 or who receive both Social Security and SSI will get their new COLA-adjusted Social Security payment.
  • January 8: Social Security recipients born between the 1st and 10th of their birth month will see their first 2025 payment.
  • January 15: Social Security recipients born between the 11th and 20th will receive their payment.
  • January 22: Recipients born between the 21st and 31st will get their Social Security payment.

How the 2025 COLA Will Impact SSI and Social Security Recipients

The SSA has announced a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, which is designed to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation. For the average Social Security recipient, this increase will result in a monthly benefit of about $1,976, up roughly $50 from the previous year.

SSI recipients will also see a boost in their monthly payments, with the new COLA applied to their December 31, 2024, payment. This increase is critical for many Americans who rely on these benefits to cover essential expenses like housing, utilities, and food.

Conclusion: What SSI Recipients Need to Know About Their November 2024 Extra Check

November 2024 brings a unique situation for SSI recipients, with two payments arriving due to a calendar quirk. While this might feel like a financial bonus, it’s important to recognize that there will be no SSI payment in December. Proper budgeting will be essential for recipients to ensure they are financially prepared for the rest of the year.

Additionally, Social Security beneficiaries can look forward to receiving their regular payments in November and a boost in their 2025 benefits due to the 2.5% COLA increase. SSI recipients should also be aware of the earlier-than-usual January payment, which will arrive on December 31, 2024.

By staying informed about these changes and planning ahead, recipients can make the most of their benefits during the busy holiday season and into the new year.