If you’re one of the millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits, you may have a welcome surprise this November—a second payment! No, this isn’t due to any major policy change. It’s actually a quirk in the calendar this year. Let’s break down who this affects and what you can expect.
Timing
Social Security beneficiaries typically receive just one monthly payment. However, in November 2024, some will receive an extra check, primarily due to the way the days line up in the last two months of the year. This extra payment will primarily affect those who are part of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
SSI helps support disabled adults and seniors with low income. Unlike regular Social Security, SSI has different rules and payment schedules. And this year, the calendar works in favor of some beneficiaries.
Calendar Quirk
Here’s what’s happening: certain beneficiaries will receive up to three payments in November. This doesn’t mean an increase in total benefits; it’s just a scheduling anomaly. If you receive SSI, you’ll get your first payment on Friday, November 1. But, there’s more. A second SSI payment will arrive on Friday, November 29, which is actually the December payment paid early.
Why? Typically, SSI beneficiaries would get their December check on December 1. However, since December 1 falls on a Sunday, the payment is moved to the last business day in November. That’s why there will be two payments that month.
Extra Payments
If you receive both Social Security and SSI, you could see three payments in November. Here’s the breakdown:
- November 1: SSI payment
- November 1: Social Security check (normally paid on the 3rd of the month, but that’s a Sunday)
- November 29: Second SSI payment (early December payment)
This applies only to those who receive both Social Security and SSI. If you don’t receive SSI, your payment schedule will remain unchanged.
Regular Payment Dates
For those who only receive Social Security benefits, your payments in November will follow the usual schedule. Your payment date depends on your birth date:
- November 13: For those born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- November 20: For those born between the 11th and 20th of the month
- November 27: For those born between the 21st and 31st of the month
No additional payment will be sent to these beneficiaries in November. It’s just business as usual.
January COLA
While not everyone gets an extra payment in November, there’s still good news coming for all Social Security beneficiaries in 2025: a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. COLA is an annual adjustment made to keep benefits in line with inflation.
For 2025, the COLA will be 2.5%, which means a modest increase in your monthly payment. On average, beneficiaries will see around $50 more per month, bringing the typical check up to $1,976. This increase will show up in January 2025 payments.
Payment Schedule
The dates for the January payments, including the COLA increase, are:
- January 8: For those born between the 1st and 10th of the month
- January 15: For those born between the 11th and 20th of the month
- January 22: For those born between the 21st and 31st of the month
For beneficiaries who started receiving Social Security before May 1997, or those who receive both Social Security and SSI, the COLA increase will be reflected in their January 3 payment.
Calendar Updated
It’s important to keep track of these payment dates, especially if you receive both Social Security and SSI. These shifts in the calendar can easily lead to confusion. Make sure you know when to expect your payments, so you can manage your finances smoothly.
By staying informed and aware of the calendar changes, you can avoid unnecessary worry and plan for any adjustments in your monthly income. Keep an eye out for the COLA increase in January to start the new year with a little extra in your pocket.
FAQs
Why are there extra payments in November?
It’s due to how weekends fall, causing early December payments to be issued in November.
Who will get three payments in November?
Beneficiaries who receive both Social Security and SSI may see three payments.
When will Social Security checks be issued in November?
The dates depend on your birth date: November 13, 20, or 27.
How much will benefits increase in January 2025?
A 2.5% COLA increase will add about $50 per month for most beneficiaries.
Do all Social Security recipients get an extra payment?
No, only those receiving SSI will get two payments in November.
