Social Security: Why some recipients get 2 payments this month
Some Social Security beneficiaries can expect to see an extra check this month, while others will see a cost of living increase in their checks before the end of the year.
Social Security benefits are paid to recipients on a monthly basis and payment schedules are based on what day of the month beneficiaries were born and holiday schedules.
In November, Social Security payments will be sent out on the usual schedule: people born between the 1st and 10th receive benefits on the second Wednesday (Nov. 13), those born between the 11 and 20th receive benefits on the third Wednesday (Nov. 20), and those born between the 21st and 31st receive payment on the fourth Wednesday (Nov. 27).
In December, that schedule will change because of the Christmas holiday.
Those who usually receive payments on the second and third Wednesdays (people born between the 1st and 20th), will get their benefits on their usual dates, while those who typically receive payment on the fourth Wednesday will get their benefits a day early on Dec. 24, as Dec. 25 is a federal holiday.
But the biggest change is coming for those who receive Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.
Beneficiaries who qualify for SSI receive payments based on what day of the month their birthday is, and what day of the week their payments are typically issued.
In November, the first of the month fell on a Friday, and that is when recipients received their first payment.
However, in December, the first of the month falls on a Sunday.
As a result, December’s payment will be issued early and arrive on Friday, Nov. 29 — meaning two checks will arrive in one month.
After that, the next SSI payment will not arrive until Tuesday, Dec. 31, which will cover January 2025’s SSI payment and will include 2025’s cost of living increase adjustment.
Payments will arrive on Dec. 31 because New Year’s Day is a holiday.
Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income payments will increase for more than 72.5 million Americans by 2.5% in 2025, the SSA announced in a release.
The monthly maximum payment for SSI benefits is $943 for an individual or $1,450 for an eligible couple.
The payment calendar for 2024 can be viewed here. The payment calendar for 2025 can be viewed here.