Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, designed to assist low-income individuals with essential needs, follow a specific schedule. For December 2024, some deviations occur due to holidays and weekends, impacting when beneficiaries receive their payments. Here’s everything you need to know.
December 2024 SSI Payment Schedule
In December 2024, SSI recipients will receive two payments:
- November 29, 2024 – This early payment serves as the December benefit since December 1 falls on a Sunday.
- December 31, 2024 – This payment is technically the January 2025 benefit, reflecting the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
Social Security Payment Schedule for December 2024
| Payment Type | Payment Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SSI Payment for December | November 29, 2024 | Early payment due to December 1 falling on a Sunday. |
| Regular Social Security Payments | December 3, 2024 | For beneficiaries receiving both SSI and Social Security or who filed before May 1997. |
| Second Wednesday Payment | December 11, 2024 | For beneficiaries with birthdays between the 1st and 10th. |
| Third Wednesday Payment | December 18, 2024 | For beneficiaries with birthdays between the 11th and 20th. |
| Fourth Wednesday Payment | December 24, 2024 | For beneficiaries with birthdays after the 20th. Adjusted due to the holiday. |
| SSI Payment for January 2025 | December 31, 2024 | Early payment reflecting the new 2025 COLA adjustment. |
Impact of Weekends and Holidays
The Social Security Administration (SSA) adjusts its payment schedule to avoid weekends and holidays:
- Payments due on the 1st of the month are issued earlier if the date lands on a weekend or holiday.
- For SSI recipients, no payment will be issued in January 2025 since the January benefit is paid on December 31, 2024.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025
The COLA for 2025 introduces a 2.5% increase to help SSI recipients cope with inflation:
- Individuals: Maximum benefit rises to $967.
- Couples: Maximum benefit increases to $1,450.
- Essential Persons (those assisting SSI recipients): Maximum benefit rises to $484.
This adjustment ensures beneficiaries retain purchasing power despite rising costs.
FAQs
- Why is there no January 1, 2025, payment? January’s payment is issued early on December 31, 2024, due to the holiday.
- What happens if I don’t receive my payment? If your payment is delayed, allow three additional business days before contacting the SSA.
- How does COLA affect my benefits? COLA ensures your benefits increase annually to match inflation rates, protecting your purchasing power.
- Can I receive both SSI and Social Security benefits? Yes, some recipients qualify for both programs, depending on their income and disability status.
Conclusion
Understanding the December 2024 SSI payment schedule is crucial for financial planning. With two payments in December and adjustments due to holidays, beneficiaries must stay informed to avoid confusion. Additionally, the COLA increase for 2025 ensures that recipients continue receiving adequate support amid inflationary pressures.