Recipients of SSI will receive two payments this November, but there will be none in December. Here’s the reason.
Some individuals receiving Social Security may find an unexpected change in their payment schedule for next month: an additional SSI check is planned for November.
This minor alteration in the timeline from the Social Security Administration (SSA) might not be surprising for those following closely, as their 2024 schedule outlines payment dates for various benefits throughout the year. Nevertheless, for those accustomed to a single monthly deposit, this change might lead to some misunderstanding.
The reason for this change is straightforward: it relates to the calendar. With around 7.5 million people receiving SSI benefits in 2024, even small adjustments can create some confusion.
The same reason causing two checks in November will also lead to no SSI payment in December. SSI recipients experienced a similar situation in August when they received two payments and then had none in September.
Here’s what you need to know about SSI payments this November.
Why will SSI recipients receive two checks in November?
Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will get two checks in November due to a simple scheduling issue.
Typically, SSI payments for low-income elderly and disabled individuals are issued on the first business day of the month. However, since December 1 is falling on a Sunday this year, SSI payments for December will be distributed the preceding Friday, as per the SSA calendar.
This means SSI payments will be sent out on these two dates in November:
- Friday, Nov. 1
- Friday, Nov. 29
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is distinct from Social Security retirement benefits.
According to AARP, while the SSA manages SSI payments, they are not funded through the same means. Social Security benefits largely come from income taxes, while SSI is financed by the U.S. Treasury and state-level contributions.
SSI aims to assist elderly individuals and those with disabilities who meet specific income eligibility criteria. The SSA indicates that both adults and children might qualify for these benefits if they meet the following conditions:
- They have minimal or no income.
- They possess little or no resources.
- They are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or above.
The maximum monthly benefit for individuals in 2024 is $943, and $1,415 for couples if both qualify.
It’s important to note that SSI is not the same as “disability” benefits or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which relies on work history. SSDI provides aid to individuals who have a disability and have contributed sufficient amounts to the Social Security system through previous employment. In contrast, SSI does not require a work history.
Payment schedule for November Social Security
The SSA issues its annual payment schedules well ahead of time; planning for 2025 can start now with the 2025 calendar already released. It appears that a few months in 2025 will mirror this November’s payment distribution.
Regular Social Security retirement payments will proceed as usual this month according to the SSA:
- Wednesday, Nov. 13: For individuals with birth dates from the 1st to the 10th.
- Wednesday, Nov. 20: For individuals with birth dates from the 11th to the 20th.
- Wednesday, Nov. 27: For individuals with birth dates from the 21st to the 31st.
Simplified SSI applications to be introduced this year
The new online platform, called iClaim, will feature easy-to-understand questions designed to speed up the application process for both applicants and claims reviewers, as indicated by a press release from the agency.
Although not all applicants will have immediate access to the new system when it launches, the SSA noted that the rollout in December will primarily cater to first-time applicants aged 18 to nearly 65 who have never married and are applying for both Social Security and SSI benefits.
The second phase to extend access to all applicants is planned for 2025.
