Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments typically arrive on the first day of each month. However, when the first of the month falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reschedules the payment to ensure recipients receive their funds on time.
This is the case for December’s payment, which SSA has moved from December 1 to November 29, 2024, two days early to avoid delays.
Here’s everything you need to know about the November 29 payment and the upcoming 2025 COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) increase.
November 29 Payment: Amount Details
If you’re an SSI recipient, your payment amount on November 29, 2024, will remain the same as what you received on November 1, provided your eligibility and financial circumstances have not changed. Below is a breakdown of average SSI amounts based on recipient age groups:
| Recipient Group | Average SSI Amount |
|---|---|
| All SSI Beneficiaries | $697 |
| Under 18 | $813 |
| Aged 18-64 | $743 |
| Aged 65+ | $574 |
These payment amounts reflect averages as provided by SSA. Individual amounts can vary based on factors like marital status, income, and other personal circumstances.
If you’ve experienced recent changes, such as marriage, starting a job, or other major life events, it’s essential to report them to SSA, as they can affect your benefit amount.
2025 COLA Increase: What to Expect
The SSI payment for December, scheduled for November 29, 2024, will not include the 2025 COLA adjustment. This adjustment, set to increase payments by about 2.5%, will be applied to SSI payments on December 31, 2024.
This early disbursement allows SSI recipients to benefit from the COLA before other Social Security beneficiaries, who will see the increase with their first January payments.
Key Dates for Upcoming Payments
- November 1, 2024: Regular SSI payment
- November 29, 2024: December SSI payment (without COLA increase)
- December 31, 2024: January SSI payment with 2025 COLA adjustment
- January 3 – 22, 2025: First 2025 payments for Social Security retirement and SSDI beneficiaries with COLA
For SSI recipients, the COLA increase will amount to an average of 2.5%, translating to around $17 extra per month for many beneficiaries. Over the course of the year, this increase will add approximately $200 to SSI payments.
Reporting Changes to SSI Eligibility
It’s important to report any major life changes to SSA promptly, as these can impact your benefit amount. Significant changes include:
- Marital Status: Getting married or divorced can affect your payment.
- Employment: Starting or stopping work can influence eligibility or payment size.
- Living Situation: Moving or changes in household members should be reported.
Failing to report these changes may lead to overpayments or underpayments, so keeping SSA informed helps ensure you receive the correct amount each month.
The SSA’s adjusted payment schedule for December ensures SSI recipients avoid any potential delays, while the 2025 COLA increase offers a modest boost to help offset rising living expenses.
Staying informed about these updates can help SSI beneficiaries plan their finances as we head into the new year.
