Social Security Beneficiaries to Receive Extra Payments in November Due to Calendar Quirk

Some recipients of Social Security benefits may be surprised to find an extra check in their mail this November, though this is due to an expected scheduling anomaly. According to the Social Security Administration‘s payment schedule for 2024, beneficiaries who also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see three payments during November. This includes two SSI payments in addition to the regular Social Security disbursement for those 62 and older.

However, SSI recipients should note that they will not receive a payment in December. This scheduling quirk also occurred in August, when beneficiaries received two SSI checks due to similar calendar conditions. The reason for this anomaly is that SSI payments, which are provided to individuals with limited income and resources, typically occur on the first business day of the month. Since December 1 falls on a Sunday, the payment will be made on Friday, November 29.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has clarified that it is important for beneficiaries to recognize these payments as advances, rather than additional funds. Susan Tompor and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, contributors to this report, emphasize that while two SSI payments will be made in November, there will not be an SSI disbursement in December.

Further future occurrences are anticipated; for example, beneficiaries can expect their January 2025 SSI payment on December 31, 2024. A similar pattern will happen throughout the new year, affecting payment distribution on certain months such as February and May 2025.

For regular Social Security retirement benefits, the distribution schedule remains unchanged. Specifically, individuals with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive their checks on November 13, those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th will receive theirs on November 20, and those born from the 21st to the 31st will receive payments on November 27.

These changes highlight the importance of consulting the Social Security Administration’s payment schedule for those who rely on these benefits for budgeting. This information, alongside further details on the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, which is set at a 2.5% increase, can be accessed online. The SSA advises beneficiaries to stay informed, as similar adjustments will occur throughout the upcoming year due to holiday and weekend scheduling shifts.

Additional information and resources for Americans looking to apply for SSI benefits are anticipated to be available later this year, a move aimed at improving accessibility and understanding of the program.