SSI recipients in the United States get their benefits monthly. These citizens usually get their payments on a regular basis each month. However, certain calendar adjustments can create special situations where it is possible to get more than one payment within the same month. This occurs primarily when holidays or weekends affect the standard deposit schedule.
December 2024 will be a unique month for SSI recipients, as they will have the opportunity to access two payments within the same month. This phenomenon is not only due to calendar irregularities, but also to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that will be implemented in January 2025. The COLA, which this year will be 2.5%, seeks to maintain the purchasing power of beneficiaries in the face of inflation, which means an increase in program payments.
To better understand the situation let’s see how the payments are organized to get both checks within the month of December. It is also important to know the impact that the COLA has on the SSI amounts, an essential tool for millions of people in vulnerable economic situations.
How to get two SSI checks in December?
To ensure receipt of two SSI checks in December 2024, it is critical to consider two key issues related to payment method and timing.
- November check received in December. The first payment beneficiaries may get in December corresponds to the deposit scheduled for November 29, 2024. This payment is technically the payment for the month of December. Those who do not have Direct Deposit activated will get their check in early December.
- January check advanced to December. The second check will be the January 2025 SSI check , scheduled to be mailed on the 31st December 2024. This payment will include the COLA increase and will be reflected in a higher amount for beneficiaries. Those who have Direct Deposit activated will be able to access this payment on the same day of mailing, thus ensuring both checks within the month of December.
To optimize this process and ensure that both payments arrive within the same month, it is recommended that Direct Deposit be activated between the first and second checks. If this change is not made, the beneficiaries will get both payments equally, albeit on slightly different dates. Therefore, there is no reason to worry if you are unable to adjust the payment method in a timely manner.
Why does SSI increase with the COLA?
The COLA, or cost-of-living adjustment, is a measure implemented annually by the Social Security Administration to protect the purchasing power of SSI recipients and other related programs. This adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the cost of essential goods and services.
In 2025, the COLA will be 2.5%, which means that SSI payments will increase proportionally to this percentage. For example:
- The maximum payment for individuals, which is currently $ 943, will increase to $ 967.
- For couples, the maximum amount will increase from $1,415 to $1,450.
These increases may seem modest, but they represent significant relief for those who rely on SSI for basic needs such as housing, food and medical care. In addition, the COLA ensures that benefits maintain their value in the face of inflation, preventing a gradual loss of purchasing power over time.
The increase in SSI through the COLA is a reminder of the importance of this program for the most vulnerable citizens of the United States. With good planning and knowledge of the payment schedule, beneficiaries can make the most of these essential resources, especially in a month as crucial as December.