In November 2024, some retirees will receive not just two, but three payments, which may come as a surprise. This unusual schedule is a result of how the Social Security Administration (SSA) handles paydays when they fall on weekends. Let’s break down who will receive these payments and why.
Social Security and SSI
For retirees who qualify for both Social Security retirement benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the first notable event is that they will receive two payments on November 1. This happens because:
- November 1 is the regular payday for SSI recipients.
- November 3 is a Sunday, so the Social Security retirement payment is being moved forward to November 1.
For these retirees, this means their retirement payment and SSI payment will land on the same day, providing two separate checks or direct deposits.
3 Payments in November
The third payment in November comes from an advance payment of December’s SSI benefits. Typically, SSI payments are made on the first day of each month, but when that date falls on a weekend, the payment is sent early. Since December 1, 2024, falls on a Sunday, the SSI check for December will be issued on November 29.
For retirees who qualify for both Social Security retirement and SSI benefits, this means they will receive the following payments in November:
| Payment Type | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| Social Security Retirement | November 1, 2024 |
| Supplemental Security Income | November 1, 2024 |
| December SSI (advance payment) | November 29, 2024 |
Who Will Receive 3 Payments?
Retirees who meet these criteria will receive three payments in November:
- Retirees receiving Social Security retirement benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients who also receive SSI.
This situation doesn’t mean these recipients are getting any bonus or extra payments; it’s simply a scheduling adjustment. The November 29 payment is intended to cover December’s SSI, so retirees should plan their budgets accordingly.
Retirement Benefits
The average monthly Social Security retirement check is about $1,920. However, this amount can vary depending on your work history, earnings, and the age at which you started collecting benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI payments are generally much lower than Social Security retirement benefits. The average SSI payment is approximately $698. This amount is based on financial need, and the actual benefit could vary depending on the recipient’s other income and resources.
| Type of Payment | Average Amount |
|---|---|
| Social Security Retirement | $1,920 |
| SSI Payment | $698 |
Plan Ahead
Even though recipients will get three payments in November, they need to remember that the November 29 payment is not a bonus. It’s an early payment for December’s SSI, which means there will be no SSI check arriving on December 1.
This can lead to confusion if not planned for, so it’s important to budget wisely and save the third payment to cover expenses in December.
Why This Happens
The SSA avoids issuing payments on weekends or federal holidays. When a payday lands on one of these days, the Administration reschedules the payment to the closest preceding business day. This is why SSI recipients are getting the December payment early at the end of November.
November Payments
| Payment Type | Reason for Payment | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security Retirement | Regular monthly payment | November 1, 2024 |
| Supplemental Security Income | Regular monthly SSI payment | November 1, 2024 |
| December SSI Payment (advance) | December 1 falls on Sunday | November 29, 2024 |
For some retirees and SSDI recipients, November 2024 will bring three payments: two on November 1 and an advance SSI payment on November 29. While this can feel like a bonus, it’s important to remember that the third payment is meant for December’s expenses. This situation occurs due to the way the SSA schedules payments when they coincide with weekends.
Planning ahead and budgeting for December will help recipients manage these funds effectively.
FAQs
Why will some retirees receive 3 payments in November?
Retirees who receive both Social Security retirement and SSI will get two payments on November 1, and the December SSI payment will be issued early on November 29.
Is the third payment in November a bonus?
No, the November 29 payment is an advance payment for December’s SSI, not a bonus.
What is the average amount of Social Security retirement checks?
The average Social Security retirement check is around $1,920 per month.
How much is the average SSI payment?
The average SSI payment is approximately $698 per month.
Why is the December SSI payment sent early?
The SSI payment for December is sent on November 29 because December 1 falls on a Sunday, and the SSA does not issue payments on weekends.
