Extra SSI Check Coming in November: Here’s What to Expect

Some Social Security recipients will get an extra check in November due to a unique scheduling event. About seven million beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see this additional payment because of a timing quirk in the 2024 calendar. This isn’t a new occurrence; the same situation happened in August when recipients received both August and September’s payments.

What Is Causing the Extra Payment?

SSI beneficiaries usually receive one payment per month, distributed on the first day of each month. But when the first day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is sent out on the previous business day. This quirk in the calendar leads to an extra check being issued in the month before. For November, SSI recipients will get their regular check, along with their December payment, because December 1 lands on a Sunday. Therefore, the December check will arrive on November 29, 2024.

This pattern of payments is expected to occur again in the upcoming months. January, February, and March of 2025 all have their first days landing on weekends or holidays, meaning payments will be made earlier than usual. January’s check will be issued on December 31, 2024, and while there will be a payment on January 31, 2025, that check will cover February’s payment. Similarly, February’s check will arrive on February 28, covering March. Therefore, March will not have a scheduled payment, but regular payments will resume in April.

What This Means for SSI Beneficiaries

For those who rely on SSI benefits, getting two checks in one month and none the next can complicate monthly budgeting. It is crucial to plan ahead and manage the funds over the months when no payments are scheduled. Beneficiaries should remember that, despite receiving two payments in November and January, they are not receiving extra benefits. The payments are simply being distributed earlier due to the calendar dates falling on non-business days.

Despite these irregularities in the payment schedule, all SSI recipients will still receive the same amount of money by the end of the year as they are supposed to. No payments will be missed, and there will be no deductions or extra payments beyond what beneficiaries are entitled to.

The Impact on Regular Social Security Recipients

If you receive regular Social Security benefits rather than SSI, you will not be affected by the November or December payment adjustments. Regular Social Security checks continue to be distributed according to their normal schedule, and there will be no early payments or changes.

However, one thing regular Social Security beneficiaries will notice is the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2024. The Social Security Administration recently announced a 2.5% increase in benefits due to COLA, which is a drop from 2023’s 3.2% increase and significantly lower than the 8.7% COLA in 2022. This decrease in COLA reflects the easing of inflation over the past year. The adjustment is based on the Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). While the COLA may result in a modest increase in benefits, it’s smaller than the past two years, which saw larger adjustments due to higher inflation rates.

Managing Finances with Irregular Payments

For those affected by the SSI payment timing, careful planning is key. It’s important to spread out the funds from the extra payment over the months when no checks are due to arrive. Creating a monthly budget to account for these irregular payments can help beneficiaries avoid financial strain when no payment is sent.

Another option for SSI recipients is to consult with a financial advisor or a social worker who can offer guidance on managing irregular income. SSI payments are a critical part of many people’s financial resources, and handling the timing changes properly can prevent unexpected hardship.

If you’re unsure about your SSI payment schedule or need assistance, it’s advisable to check with the Social Security Administration or refer to their payment calendar for the upcoming months. These resources can help ensure that beneficiaries are well-informed and prepared for the irregular payment schedule.

Planning for Future Payments

Beneficiaries should also be aware of the upcoming payment changes in 2025. The first few months of the new year will have early payments as weekends and holidays again affect the distribution dates. Knowing this in advance can allow SSI recipients to prepare their budgets accordingly.

For those receiving SSI benefits, maintaining awareness of these calendar quirks and payment changes is important to prevent any confusion or financial disruption. The Social Security Administration continues to release updated information to help beneficiaries stay informed about when to expect their checks. Staying updated can ensure that you are always prepared for any changes in the payment schedule.

Conclusion

November’s extra check is part of a scheduling adjustment due to the 2024 calendar, with SSI beneficiaries receiving both November and December payments in the same month. The same will happen in 2025, with early payments expected in January and February. Beneficiaries should plan for these irregular payments and budget their finances accordingly. While regular Social Security recipients are unaffected by these changes, both SSI and Social Security recipients should be aware of the lower COLA adjustment for 2024. Overall, staying informed and prepared for these scheduling quirks will help SSI recipients manage their finances without disruption.