Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial support to eligible low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled. The Social Security Administration (SSA) ensures that payments are made monthly, typically on the first of the month. However, in certain cases where the first falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSA adjusts the payment date accordingly. In 2024, there are some important changes regarding payment schedules, and beneficiaries will receive two payments in November.
Let’s take a closer look at the payment details, upcoming changes, and how the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will affect SSI recipients.
November SSI Payment
The upcoming SSI payment is scheduled for November 1, 2024. This is a standard payment date, and eligible recipients can expect to receive their payment via check or direct deposit. Since this date does not fall on a weekend or holiday, there are no adjustments needed for this payment.
December Payment Shift
In December 2024, the first falls on a Sunday, which means the SSA cannot send out payments on that day. As a result, the December SSI payment will be delivered on November 29, 2024, the previous business day. This means that SSI recipients will receive two payments in November—one for November on the 1st and another for December on the 29th.
Although it may seem unusual to receive two payments in a single month, it’s important to remember that these are for two separate months—November and December—so recipients will not receive an additional payment in December.
January 2025 SSI Payment
Due to the New Year’s Day holiday on January 1, 2025, SSI recipients will receive their January payment on December 31, 2024. This early payment will include the new Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase, which is designed to help recipients cope with inflation and rising costs.
Impact of COLA
Each year, the SSA adjusts SSI payments based on the COLA, which is tied to inflation rates. For 2025, the COLA increase is expected to boost payments for SSI recipients:
- Individuals will see an increase of $23 per month, bringing the maximum monthly SSI benefit up to $914.
- Married couples receiving SSI will get an increase of $35 per month, making their total maximum benefit $1,450.
These adjustments amount to an additional $276 annually for individuals and $420 annually for couples. The COLA increase will benefit millions of Americans who rely on SSI, especially those with limited resources.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Low Income: Applicants must have limited income and financial resources.
- Age or Disability: Recipients must be at least 65 years old, blind, or have a disability.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and certain non-citizens may be eligible for SSI.
These eligibility requirements ensure that SSI targets those who need it most, providing crucial financial support to low-income individuals across the country.
Payment Overview
| Payment Month | Payment Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | November 1, 2024 | Regular monthly payment |
| December 2024 | November 29, 2024 | Payment delivered early due to weekend |
| January 2025 | December 31, 2024 | Includes 2025 COLA increase |
SSI recipients should be aware of the upcoming changes in payment schedules for the end of 2024. With two payments arriving in November (for November and December) and an early January payment in December, it’s essential to plan finances accordingly. The good news is that the COLA increase for 2025 will bring a welcomed boost to monthly SSI benefits, helping low-income individuals and couples keep up with rising living costs.
FAQs
When will the December 2024 SSI payment be sent?
It will be delivered on November 29, 2024, due to December 1 falling on a Sunday.
Will I receive two SSI payments in November 2024?
Yes, one for November on November 1 and one for December on November 29.
What is the COLA increase for 2025?
The COLA increase will add $23 per month for individuals and $35 per month for couples.
When will the January 2025 SSI payment be sent?
It will be sent on December 31, 2024, due to the New Year’s holiday.
Who is eligible for SSI?
SSI eligibility requires low income, limited resources, and being 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
