Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in the US will get two payments at the end of 2024. The first payment will cover the last check of this year and the first check of 2025.
Since January 1 is a federal holiday and checks are not sent out on holidays, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send the first check of 2025 early so that it arrives in December 2024. This means that there will be two deposits in the same month.
Because of this change, SSI recipients will get their December payment on November 29 and their first payment of 2025 on December 31. The cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) that happen every year will make each of these checks show a different amount.
We will go over in more detail how these two payments are given out and how much they can be in total below. You need to know all of this information about the economy in order to get everything in order as quickly as possible before the end of 2024.
November and December SSI payment dates
The SSA has already said how much SSI will pay for the last check of 2024 and the first check of 2025. These amounts are different because of the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase that will happen next year.
The November check will cover everything that needs to be paid for November. It will be based on the 2024 maximum payment limits.
But the second check that will be sent on December 31 will include the 2025 COLA adjustment, which will make the amount more helpful for people who get SSI.
Here are the most that each of these payments can be:
- November 29 check: Corresponds to the December 2024 payment and follows the current maximum amount, which is $943 for single individuals and $1,415 for couples.
- December 31 check: This is the first payment of 2025, brought forward for the New Year’s holiday. With the 2.5% COLA adjustment for next year, the maximum amount will be $967 for singles and $1,450 for couples.
These amounts are meant to help recipients deal with the rising cost of living. The extra payment in December will be a huge relief for those who depend on this monthly help.
But do not forget that the way we choose to collect is also important. If we choose Direct Deposit, the checks show up in our checking account right away. We will have to wait a few days if not.
Because of this, even though Social Security sends SSI checks ahead of time, not all Americans will get these payments right away; some may get them in the months that correspond to the payments.
Double SSI payment before the end of the year
Putting off the first check for 2025 until December gives people time to plan their finances for the start of next year.
This kind of change is often made when January 1 falls on a holiday so that people can get their money right away. Getting two payments in December makes sure that there is ongoing financial support.
It is important to remember, though, that the payment due on December 31 is for the year 2025 and should not be counted as extra income for 2024.
This also means that recipients will not get an extra check in January; the advance payment at the end of the year will do that job.
With these two SSI payments in December, SSA makes sure that beneficiaries have the money they need to start the new year with more stability. This helps them pay for basic things and gives them much-needed financial relief at this time of year.
