For those who depend on the Supplemental Security Income (SSI), here is crucial information about your upcoming payment that you need to know. It is good to note that this year, you will not get the direct deposit on the usual date instead it will be early this year. Let’s explain in detail what this means and when you should expect your payment.Â
Why is the December SSI payment coming early?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a strict rule about not issuing SSI payments on weekends or federal holidays. December 1, the standard SSI payment date, falls on a Sunday this year. To accommodate, the SSA will send your December payment on the last working day of the previous month – Friday, November 29.
This means you will receive your December SSI payment earlier than usual. If you are not expecting this change, it might come as a surprise, but the good news is you will not have to wait until December to see that $1,415 in your account.
What happens when SSI payments fall on a weekend?
If you are new to SSI or simply need a refresher, here is what you should remember about how the SSA handles weekends and holidays:
- Payments scheduled for a weekend or holiday are moved to the last working day before the scheduled date.
- This policy ensures there are no delays in delivering your benefits.
For December, this shift means you will actually receive two SSI payments in November – the November payment earlier in the month and the December payment on November 29.
Will there be another payment in December?
You might wonder: does this mean there will be a second SSI payment in December? The answer is no. The payment you receive on November 29 is technically for December. It is simply being distributed early because of the weekend rule.
Your next SSI payment will arrive as usual in January 2024. Keep this in mind when planning your budget for the holiday season, as the early payment could make December feel longer without another deposit.
What should you do if you do not see your payment?
If November 29 rolls around and you have not received your payment, here are some steps you can take:
- Double-check your bank account or payment method: Ensure your payment has not already been deposited.
- Review your payment schedule: Remember, there are no SSI payments issued on December 1. The November 29 payment covers December.
- Contact the SSA: If there are still issues, reach out to the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.
How much will the December SSI payment be?
The highest amount you can receive as your SSI is $1,415, providing extra funds to recipients as they enter the holiday season. This amount, however, is not given to all eligible SSI beneficiaries. The amount you receive as an SSI beneficial is based on your filing status. The following are the amounts you can receive based on your filing status:
- Individuals: $943 for individuals
- Couples: Up to $1,415 for eligible couples
- Essential person support: The SSA will pay the total sum of $472 to those they consider to be essential persons.
Average Social Security payments vary around the US – How much do people in your state get?
How to budget for two SSI payments in November
You received your November SSI payment on the 1st which is usually the day set aside by the SSA to make payments to beneficiaries across the U.S. Since the first of December falls on a Sunday expect two payments this month. Here are a few tips on how to budget your payment:Â
- Treat the November 29 payment as your December income to avoid overspending.
- Plan for December expenses, especially if you have holiday costs.
- Keep track of your SSI schedule for 2024 to avoid any confusion.
