Approximately 10% of Social Security beneficiaries will receive two checks in December, the first one arriving on December 29.
This is due to an anomaly in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program of the Social Security Administration, which offers assistance to elderly and disabled Americans with low incomes.
Payments for SSI are normally disbursed on the first of the month, so the programs 7 5 million enrollees received their December payment on December 1. SSI recipients, however, receive their January check on the final weekday before the New Year, with deposits arriving on December 29, as January 1 is a holiday.
SSI recipients will receive an additional benefit with their payment on December 29: the check will include their cost-of-living adjustment for 2024.
The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for 2024 is projected to be 3. 2% increase, marking the smallest increase in three years. This is due to the fact that the COLA is dependent on the inflation rate, which has been sharply declining as a result of the Federal Reserve’s policy of raising interest rates.
The Social Security Administration estimates that in 2024, the average monthly SSI check will be $943 instead of $914.
Did you receive two Social Security checks this month and are wondering why? You’re not alone. This can happen due to a quirk in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program’s payment schedule. In this article, we’ll explain why this happens and when you can expect to receive your next payment.
Understanding the SSI Payment Schedule
Typically, SSI recipients receive their monthly payments on the first of each month. However, when the first day of the month falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the payment is issued on the last business day before the first. This ensures that recipients receive their benefits promptly and don’t have to wait an extra month.
For example, in December 2023, the first of the month fell on a Sunday. Therefore, SSI recipients received their December payment on December 29, 2023, which was the last business day before January 1, 2024.
Receiving Two Payments in One Month
This quirk in the payment schedule can lead to some recipients receiving two payments in one month. For instance, if the first of the month falls on a Saturday, recipients will receive their payment on the Friday before. This means they will receive two payments in the month of December: one on December 1st and another on December 29th.
Here’s a table summarizing when you might receive two SSI payments in one month:
| Month | First Day of the Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| January | Sunday | December 29 |
| May | Saturday | April 30 |
| August | Tuesday | July 31 |
| November | Wednesday | October 31 |
Upcoming Payment Dates for SSI Recipients
Here’s a table showing the upcoming payment dates for SSI recipients in 2024:
| Month | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January | December 29, 2023 |
| February | January 3, 2024 |
| March | February 3, 2024 |
| April | April 3, 2024 |
| May | May 3, 2024 |
| June | June 3, 2024 |
| July | July 3, 2024 |
| August | July 31, 2024 |
| September | September 3, 2024 |
| October | October 3, 2024 |
| November | October 31, 2024 |
| December | December 3, 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did I only receive one payment this month?
A: If the first day of the month did not fall on a weekend or a federal holiday, you will only receive one payment that month.
Q: Will I receive two payments every month when the first falls on a weekend or holiday?
A: No, this only happens in the months of January, May, August, and November.
Q: What if I have questions about my SSI payments?
A: You can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.
Q: Where can I find more information about the SSI payment schedule?
A: You can find more information about the SSI payment schedule on the Social Security Administration’s website: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-payment-schedule.htm
Q: What is the difference between SSI and Social Security retirement benefits?
A: SSI is a needs-based program for low-income individuals with disabilities or older adults. Social Security retirement benefits are based on your earnings history.
Q: How can I apply for SSI benefits?
A: You can apply for SSI benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Q: What is the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)?
A: The COLA is an annual increase in Social Security benefits that helps keep pace with inflation.
Q: When will the next COLA increase take effect?
A: The next COLA increase will take effect in January 2024.
Q: How much will the COLA increase be in 2024?
A: The COLA increase for 2024 is 3.2%.
Q: How will the COLA increase affect my Social Security benefits?
A: The COLA increase will increase your monthly Social Security benefits by 3.2%.
Q: Will I receive the COLA increase if I receive SSI benefits?
A: Yes, SSI recipients will also receive the COLA increase.
Q: When will I receive the COLA increase if I receive SSI benefits?
A: SSI recipients will receive the COLA increase in their January 2024 payment.
Q: How can I learn more about the COLA increase?
A: You can learn more about the COLA increase on the Social Security Administration’s website: https://www.ssa.gov/cola/
Q: What is the Social Security Administration?
A: The Social Security Administration is a federal agency that administers Social Security programs, including retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Q: How can I contact the Social Security Administration?
A: You can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.
Q: Where can I find more information about Social Security programs?
A: You can find more information about Social Security programs on the Social Security Administration’s website: https://www.ssa.gov/
Q: How can I stay up-to-date on Social Security news and announcements?
A: You can stay up-to-date on Social Security news and announcements by subscribing to the Social Security Administration’s email updates or following them on social media.
Q: How can I report fraud or abuse related to Social Security programs?
A: You can report fraud or abuse related to Social Security programs to the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General.
Q: How can I protect myself from Social Security scams?
A: You can protect yourself from Social Security scams by being aware of common scams and reporting any suspicious activity to the Social Security Administration.
Q: How can I learn more about Social Security scams?
A: You can learn more about Social Security scams on the Social Security Administration’s website: https://www.ssa.gov/fraud/
Q: How can I report a lost or stolen Social Security card?
A: You can report a lost or stolen Social Security card to the Social Security Administration.
Q: How can I replace my Social Security card?
A: You can replace your Social Security card by applying for a new one online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Q: How can I change my name or address on my Social Security card?
A: You can change your name or address on your Social Security card by applying for a corrected card online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Q: How can I get a proof of income letter from the Social Security Administration?
A: You can get a proof of income letter from the Social Security Administration by creating an online account or visiting your local Social Security office.
Q: How can I get a replacement Social Security statement?
A: You can get a replacement Social Security statement by creating an online account or visiting your local Social Security office.
Q: How can I access my Social Security benefits online?
A: You can access your Social Security benefits online by creating an account on the Social Security Administration’s website.
Q: How can I manage my Social Security benefits online?
A: You can manage your Social Security benefits online by creating an account on the Social Security Administration’s website.
Q: How can I change my direct deposit information for my Social Security benefits?
A: You can change your direct deposit information for your Social Security benefits online by creating an account on the Social Security Administration’s website.
Q: How can I report a change in my income or living situation that may affect my SSI benefits?
A: You can report a change in your income or living situation that may affect your SSI benefits by contacting the Social Security Administration.
Q: How can I appeal a decision made by the Social Security Administration?
A: You can appeal a decision made by the Social Security Administration by following the appeals process outlined on the Social Security Administration’s website.
Q: How can I get help with my Social Security claim?
A: You can get help with your Social Security claim by contacting the Social Security Administration or an attorney specializing in Social Security law.
Q: How can I find an attorney specializing in Social Security law?
A: You can find an attorney specializing in Social Security law by contacting your local bar association or searching online.
Q: How can I file a complaint against the Social Security Administration?
A: You can file a complaint against the Social Security Administration by contacting
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Aimee Picchi covers personal and business finance as an associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch. She was a writer for USA Today and Consumer Reports in addition to her previous position at Bloomberg News.
Social Security payment schedule 2024
While the new COLA increase takes effect with December benefits, those payments will reach most recipients in January, with the exception of SSI recipients, according to the Social Security Administration.
According to the agency, the average retirement benefit check will increase by roughly $60 per month as a result of the increase, from this year’s $1,848 to $1,907 this year.
The first 2024 checks’ payment schedule, which takes the new COLA into account, is shown here.
- Dec. 29, 2023: The benefits hike for the nations 7. 5 million SSI recipients will begin on this day. Since January 1 is a holiday, SSI recipients will receive their payments on the Friday prior to January 1. Normally, SSI payments are made on the first of each month.
- Jan. 3, 2024: The new COLA will be paid in a December benefit if you began receiving Social Security benefits prior to May 1997, or if you receive both Social Security and SSI benefits. check for January 29, 2023, and your Social Security benefit on January 3
- Jan. 10, 2024: You will receive your first benefit check with the new COLA if your birthday falls between the first and the tenth day of the month of your birth. For example, on June 1st, your birthday, you will be paid on that day.
- Jan. 17, 2024: This day will receive your higher payment if your birthday falls between the eleventh and twentieth day of the month of your birth.
- Jan. 24, 2024: Your benefit check will reflect the new COLA on this day if your birthday falls between the 21st and the 31st of the month of your birth.