Millions of Americans who rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will experience an unusual schedule this year, receiving two payments in November but none in December. This is due to a calendar quirk that affects how payments are distributed.
Why Are There Two Payments in November?
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SSI, which provides monthly payments to older adults and individuals with disabilities, typically sends out checks on the first of each month. However, when the first day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is made on the last business day of the previous month.
This year, December 1 falls on a Sunday, which means SSI recipients will receive their December payment on November 29. Combined with the regular November 1 payment, this will result in two SSI checks being issued in November, but no payments in December.
What About the End of the Year?
The oddities don’t stop there. While there will be no SSI payment in December, recipients will receive another payment on December 31. This check will actually be for January 2025, as January 1 falls on a holiday. This pattern can lead to some confusion, but rest assured that recipients will not miss any payments overall.
For those receiving the maximum SSI benefit, this payment can be as high as $943.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The same payment scheduling issue will occur in the early months of 2025. February 28, 2025, will bring March’s benefit, meaning there will be no payment in March. Additionally, May 2025 will see two payments, with no SSI checks issued in June.
Understanding SSI and Other Social Security Benefits
SSI is just one of four main types of Social Security benefits. The others include Retirement, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Survivor benefits. SSI specifically helps low-income seniors, individuals with disabilities, and even children with disabilities who meet certain income and asset requirements.
To qualify for SSI, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be 65 or older, blind, or disabled
- Have limited income and resources (less than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples)
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Reside in one of the 50 states, Washington D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands
Filing a Waiver for Overpayment
In cases where individuals are overpaid by the Social Security Administration (SSA), they may file a waiver if they cannot afford to repay the amount or if they believe they should not have to repay it. The SSA’s Form SSA-632 allows individuals to request relief from repayment obligations.
For further assistance or questions, individuals can contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Conclusion
While the two payments in November may come as a surprise to some, it’s important to remember that this is simply due to the timing of weekends and holidays. SSI recipients will still receive their full benefits, just on a slightly altered schedule. Looking ahead, it’s always a good idea to keep track of these payment changes to ensure financial planning stays on track.
