Here’s Why You’ll Get Two (or More!) Social Security Checks in November
While some people are grumbling that the Social Security cost-of-living increase hasn’t exactly kept pace with recent inflation, recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will soon get a happy surprise: an additional Social Security check in November. And some people might even get two additional checks!
No, this isn’t a mistake, and it isn’t something you need to report to the government. Many people worry about losing Social Security benefits—and there are a few ways that can happen—but receiving these bonus checks isn’t among them.
So what’s with this “extra” money, and when could they be coming your way? Read on to find out about the Social Security payouts that might be landing in your account soon.
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Why will you receive two social security checks in November?
The first SSI check arrived as planned on Nov. 1, but because Dec. 1 is a Sunday, the December check will be distributed on Nov. 29. SSI checks typically come out on the first business day of the month, and they’re always on time, so if the first day of the month falls on a weekend, checks are distributed early.
We’re sure you love the idea of getting more checks, but you won’t be getting more money, unfortunately. The SSA is paying out the same amount; they’re just doling it out on a different day because of the quirks of the calendar. Keep that in mind when receiving your checks or direct deposits, and plan accordingly.
Why will some folks receive three Social Security checks in November?
Those Social Security recipients who also receive retirement benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) will get a third check in November, on a Wednesday. The exact Wednesday is based on your birthday and the Social Security Administration’s calendar.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Nov. 13 payment (Second Wednesday): Birthdate on the 1st through the 10th of any month
- Nov. 20 payment (Third Wednesday): Birthdate on the 11th through the 20th of any month
- Nov. 27 payment (Fourth Wednesday): Birthdate on the 21st through 31st of any month
According to September 2024 data from the SSA, more than 7.4 million Americans receive SSI, monthly payments distributed to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources. This is not the same as SSA’s retirement benefit—which is based on work history and not on disability stats or financial need—though more than 2.5 million receive both benefits.
How many social security checks will you receive in December?
You will receive only one check in December, which will be January’s payment. Yes, it’s a little confusing! As discussed above, December’s SSI check will be distributed on Nov. 29, but because Jan. 1 is New Year’s Day and a federal holiday, January’s checks will be distributed on Dec. 31.
Moving forward, the schedule will be off several more times over the next year. February 2025 checks will go out on Jan. 31; March 2025 checks will go out on Feb. 28; and because April 1, 2025, falls on a Tuesday, no SSI checks will be sent out in March.
The 2024 and 2025 payment calendars are posted on SSA’s website, as well as below, for easy reference:
- Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 (November 2024 check)
- Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 (December 2024 check)
- Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 (January 2025 check)
- Friday, Jan. 31, 2025 (February 2025 check)
- Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 (March 2025 check)
- Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (April 2025 check)
- Thursday, May 1, 2025 (May 2025 check)
- Friday, May 30, 2025 (June 2025 check)
- Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (July 2025 check)
- Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 (August 2025 check)
- Friday, Aug. 30, 2025 (September 2025 check)
- Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 (October 2025 check)
- Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (November 2025 check)
- Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (December 2025 check)
- Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (January 2026 check)
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