Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients can expect three remaining payments in November 2024. These payments follow a staggered schedule, depending on recipients’ birth dates and whether they meet certain eligibility criteria.
While the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program only has one payment date left in November, SSDI beneficiaries have three dates to look forward to.
For clarity, here’s a detailed breakdown of SSDI payment dates, eligibility requirements, and average benefit amounts, as well as what recipients can expect before the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) takes effect in January.
SSDI Payment Dates in November
The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues SSDI payments on specific Wednesdays each month, based on the recipient’s date of birth and other factors. Here’s the November schedule:
- November 13, 2024: Payment for recipients born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- November 20, 2024: Payment for recipients born between the 11th and 20th.
- November 27, 2024: Payment for recipients born between the 21st and 31st.
Eligibility for November SSDI Payments
To receive SSDI payments on the specified dates in November, recipients must meet these conditions:
- Approval Date: Must have been approved for SSDI after April 30, 1997.
- SSI Ineligibility: Not receiving SSI benefits. If you qualify for both SSDI and SSI, your payment schedule may differ.
- Birth Date: Eligibility for each payment depends on your birth date within the month, as outlined above.
If you qualify based on these criteria, the SSA will automatically deposit your payment on the corresponding Wednesday. Note that the SSA has also scheduled the December SSI payment to be issued on November 29, 2024, for those eligible.
SSDI Payment Amounts in November 2024
Average and Maximum SSDI Benefits
In November 2024, the average SSDI payment is about $1,539. Specific benefits vary based on the recipient’s work history and contributions to Social Security over their career. Here’s a closer look at the average SSDI benefit amounts:
- Average SSDI Benefit: $1,539
- Spouse Benefit: $421 (if eligible as a spouse of a worker with a disability)
- Dependent Child Benefit: $492 (if eligible as a child of a worker with a disability)
- Maximum SSDI Benefit: Up to $3,822 for those with a substantial earnings history (35 years at or above the contribution base)
These amounts will remain consistent through November, as the 2025 COLA increase doesn’t take effect until January 3, 2025. Once the new COLA increase is applied, SSDI benefits will rise by an estimated 3.2%, bringing the maximum SSDI payment up to $4,018 per month for eligible high earners.
COLA Impact on SSDI Payments
The 2025 COLA increase, scheduled for January, will provide a boost to SSDI benefits. The adjustment is designed to help beneficiaries maintain purchasing power as inflation affects the cost of essential goods and services. This adjustment will be particularly beneficial for SSDI recipients who rely on a fixed income to cover their monthly expenses.
Key Reminders for SSDI Recipients in November
- Payment Timing: Payments will be deposited based on the SSA’s Wednesday schedule, aligned with birth dates.
- December SSI Payment: Scheduled early on November 29, 2024, for SSI recipients to avoid a delay due to the weekend.
- COLA Impact: The increase will be applied in January 2025, not affecting November payments. COLA is calculated based on changes in the Consumer Price Index, and this increase is set at 3.2% for 2025.
Maximizing SSDI Benefits
For recipients looking to maximize their SSDI benefits, it’s essential to have a strong work history of contributions to Social Security. Higher payments are available to those who worked 35 years or more at jobs paying Social Security taxes and deferred filing until reaching full retirement age or beyond.
