November Surprise: Why Some SSI Recipients Are Getting Extra Checks

According to Marca, If you’re receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may notice an unusual payment schedule this November: two SSI checks will be issued in one month, while there will be none in December. Although this might seem confusing, it’s a routine scheduling quirk from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that occasionally occurs.

Payment Schedule Overview

Typically, the SSA sends out SSI payments on the first day of each month. However, if the first falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is issued on the last business day of the previous month. This year, December 1 falls on a Sunday, prompting the SSA to issue December’s SSI check a few days early on Friday, November 29.

As a result, SSI recipients will receive both their regular November 1 payment and an early December payment on November 29. This adjustment leaves December without a payment date, which may affect approximately 7.4 million SSI recipients in 2024.

Impact on Recipients

While this situation is not unprecedented (a similar occurrence took place in August), the double payment can catch recipients off guard, especially since there won’t be an SSI deposit in December. “It’s just a timing adjustment,” explains AARP, emphasizing that the SSA employs this early payment strategy to ensure beneficiaries receive their funds without interruption, even when the calendar creates complications.

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Budgeting for December

For those who heavily rely on monthly benefits, receiving two checks in close succession can be both beneficial and challenging. On one hand, the payment on November 29 arrives just before the holiday season, providing a financial boost. On the other hand, recipients will need to budget carefully due to the absence of a December payment.

Understanding this timing can help avoid confusion regarding missing checks. For added clarity, the SSA provides a payment calendar available for download, detailing the entire year’s schedule to assist recipients in planning.

Looking Ahead to 2025

This year’s double-payment situation is particularly significant as many beneficiaries prepare for 2025, when the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be lower than in 2024. With inflation rates cooling, Social Security recipients are set to receive a 2.5% COLA increase next year, translating to approximately $50 more per month. SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley states that this adjustment aims to “help people keep up with expenses as inflation eases,” although it is less substantial compared to increases in recent years.

Conclusion

While SSA schedules can sometimes be tricky, these adjustments help ensure that those who depend on SSI won’t experience gaps in their monthly support, even when the calendar does not align favorably.