For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients in the United States, the 2024 year-end will bring two payments covering both the last check of this year and the first check of 2025. Since January 1 is a federal holiday and payments are not issued on holidays, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will advance the first check of 2025 to be delivered in December 2024, meaning there will be two deposits in the same month.
This schedule adjustment means that SSI beneficiaries will get their December payment on November 29 and the first payment of 2025 on December 31. Each of these checks will reflect different amounts due to the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) that are applied annually.
Below, we explain in detail how these two payments are distributed and what the maximum amounts are for each. It is important to know all this information in order to organize everything related to the economy as effectively as possible before the end of 2024.
November and December SSI payment dates
SSA has already announced the SSI payment amounts for both the last check of 2024 and the first check of 2025, and these amounts vary due to next year’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase. The December check will cover the month’s needs and will be based on the maximum payment limits established for 2024. However, the second check to be sent on December 31 will include the 2025 COLA adjustment, increasing the amount for the benefit of SSI holders.
Below are the maximum amounts of each of these payments:
- 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 designed to help recipients cope with the rising cost of living, and the additional payment in December represents a significant relief for those who rely on this monthly assistance. Still, remember that the collection method we choose is also important. If we choose Direct Deposit, the checks appear immediately in our checking account. If not, we will have to wait a few days.
For that reason, although Social Security sends SSI checks in advance, not all Americans will enjoy these payments directly, since it is possible that they will get the checks in the corresponding months.
Double SSI payment before the end of the year
Moving the first 2025 check forward to December gives recipients a head start in terms of financial planning for the beginning of next year. This type of adjustment is common when January 1 falls on a holiday, allowing recipients to access their funds without delay. Getting two payments in December ensures that financial support is available on an ongoing basis.
However, it is important to remember that the December 31 payment pertains to the year 2025, so it should not be counted as additional 2024 income. This also means that recipients will not get an additional check in January, as the year-end advance payment serves that function.
With these two SSI payments in December, SSA ensures that beneficiaries have the resources they need to start the new year with greater stability, thus covering basic expenses and providing important financial relief at this time of year.