Social Security beneficiaries in the United States will get a total of five payments in November and two additional payments in December, including the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. The close of 2024 brings important news for those who depend on these benefits, as between the regular payments and the COLA increase, better coverage is guaranteed at the start of 2025.
Both the November and December payments have specific dates that vary between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security. Recipients will get their SSI check with the first 2.5% increase on December 31, in advance of the January 2025 payment. This payment is provided early because January 1st is a holiday, ensuring prompt access.
What are the Social Security payments in November?
During November, Social Security will make five payments to different beneficiaries. Here are the key days to keep in mind:
- November 1st: SSI payment for the month, targeting Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries.
- November 1st: Payment for Group 2 retirees, who started getting the benefit after May 1997 and whose birthday is between the 1st and 10th.
- November 20: Payment for group 3 retirees, with birth dates between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- November 27: Payment for group 4 retirees, who were born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
- November 29: Second SSI payment, although this one corresponds to December, it is brought forward due to the fact that December 1st falls on a weekend.
These payments are scheduled to cover the needs of the beneficiaries before the end of the year holidays. Each of the payments maintains its current amount, except for the December 31 payment which will include the 2025 COLA increase.
When does Social Security arrive in December?
In December, Social Security payments will follow the regular dates for each retiree group, and on the last day of the year an additional SSI payment will be sent with the 2025 COLA already included. Here are the dates:
- December 11: First payment for Group 2 retirees.
- December 18: Payment for Group 3 retirees, who have an 11th through 20th birthday.
- December 25: Payment for group 4 retirees, with birth dates between the 21st and 31st.
- December 31: Extra SSI payment with the 2025 COLA increase.
This last annual payment will be especially relevant, as SSI recipients will get the check with the COLA increase. Although it corresponds to the first payment in January, it is made on December 31 to facilitate access to the benefit in the middle of the holiday season.
With these payments, Social Security beneficiaries will close the year with the cost-of-living adjustment included, thus providing enhanced coverage to meet the needs of the coming year.
Thus, a retiree could get up to five payments in these last two months of the year: two SSI payments in November, an additional SSI payment in December, and a regular retirement payment in each of the months. With this scheme, Social Security not only covers the regular monthly benefits, but also ensures an extra income in advance in December for those who rely on SSI resources. This stream of payments provides greater stability and financial support to meet year-end expenses and the beginning of 2025.
