A few Social Security recipients might be in for an unexpected treat this November: an additional check.

If you’re receiving Social Security, there’s no need to panic; this situation isn’t out of the ordinary. Those who monitor the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) payment schedule may already know what to expect.

Due to an unusual calendar occurrence, beneficiaries who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive three payments in November: two SSI checks alongside their regular monthly Social Security payment, which is given to retired individuals aged 62 and older.

However, recipients will see a gap in December with no checks issued. This pattern is similar to what happened in August, where recipients received two checks but nothing in September.

Why are SSI recipients receiving two checks in November?

The peculiar scheduling occurs because SSI benefits, which are extra payments for those with minimal income and assets, are disbursed on the first business day of each month.

SSI recipients will receive their November check on Nov. 1, but December’s payment will be on Friday, Nov. 29, as Dec. 1 falls on a Sunday this year, according to the SSA’s schedule.

The 2025 payment calendar is also available and shows similar anomalies for next year. For example, SSI recipients will receive their January 2025 payment on Dec. 31, 2024, and February’s will be sent on Jan. 31, 2025, with the March payment following on Feb. 28, 2025.

This means that SSI recipients will not get a payment in March. In May 2025, they will encounter another two-payment month, but will again have no check in June.

What is SSI?

SSI offers financial assistance to individuals with limited income who are aged 65 and older, blind, or living with a qualifying disability—this includes children with disabilities. The SSA specifies that adults are generally eligible if they earn less than $1,971 per month.

If you believe you may qualify for SSI, a simplified application process for benefits is set to launch later this year.

November Social Security payment timeline

You can find the yearly payment schedules for Social Security on the SSA’s website, which can be helpful for budgeting.

Regular Social Security retirement payments will follow the usual schedule:

◾ Wednesday, Nov. 13: Recipients born between the 1st and 10th of the month.

◾ Wednesday, Nov. 20: Recipients born between the 11th and 20th of the month.

◾ Wednesday, Nov. 27: Recipients born between the 21st and 31st of the month.