If you rely on Supplemental Security Income — SSI Check to make ends meet, you may have noticed something different this December: your usual payment won’t arrive on the first day of the month. For millions of Americans receiving SSI, this change has raised questions. Let’s break down why this is happening and how it affects you, plus what to expect for the upcoming months.
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Why Won’t SSI Payments Be Sent on December 1st?
Normally, SSI payments are issued on the first day of each month. However, December 1st, 2024, falls on a Sunday, and as per Social Security Administration (SSA) rules, payments are not made on weekends or holidays. As a result, eligible recipients did not receive their SSI checks on December 1st.
When Will You Get Your December 2024 SSI Payment?
Because December 1st falls on a weekend, eligible recipients were sent two payments in November: one on the 1st and another on November 29th, 2024. This ensures that recipients still get their December check ahead of time.
Additionally, recipients will receive the payment for January 2025 early, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, since January 1st is a federal holiday. This means SSI recipients will effectively get two payments in December.
What Does This Calendar Quirk Mean for SSI Recipients?
This shift is part of a pattern caused by “calendar quirks,” which happen when the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday. Similar situations have occurred in previous months, like August 2024, when Social Security recipients received two payments due to September 1st falling on a Sunday.
Looking ahead to 2025, the same oddities will affect payments. For instance, SSI recipients will receive February 2025’s payment on Friday, January 31, 2025, and no payment will be made in March 2025. The trend will continue through May and August, as recipients will get two payments for those months but no check for June or September.
Who Gets the $1,800 Social Security Payment in December?
If you’re wondering why some Social Security recipients are receiving $1,800 in December, it all depends on your lifetime earnings, age, and when you claim your benefits. The average Social Security payment in 2024 is around $1,767, but those who delayed claiming benefits past their full retirement age (FRA) can receive higher payments, sometimes up to $1,800 or more.
December’s payments are based on birth dates. Here’s the breakdown:
- Born between the 1st and 10th: Payment on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
- Born between the 11th and 20th: Payment on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
- Born between the 21st and 31st: Payment on Wednesday, December 24, 2024.
Social Security recipients who strategically delayed their claims or worked in high-paying jobs during their careers are more likely to see the $1,800 payment. Also, spousal or survivor benefits can impact the total amount.
What’s Next for Social Security Recipients in 2025?
While the calendar quirks will affect payments in early 2025, recipients can expect some routine adjustments and potential increases. Social Security and SSI benefits are periodically updated to keep pace with inflation, and there’s always the possibility of annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to help beneficiaries cope with rising costs.
For those concerned about their future benefits or payments, it’s important to regularly check your Social Security statement online to ensure you’re on track. You can also contact the SSA to discuss any changes or to verify your eligibility.
