If you depend on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a monthly payment like many others, then you should be expecting your December SSI payment. In just 24 days, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send the monthly SSI December payments of up to $1,415. Here is the information concerning the disbursement details, the criteria for application and what to expect.
When can you expect the December SSI payment?
Typically, SSI payments are sent on the first of each month, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday. In those cases, the payment is released on the business day before. This ensures you receive your funds on time, without delay.
For the December payment:
- Payment date: November 29th, 2024
- Payment amount: Up to $1,415, depending on your eligibility
The payment will be made on the 29th of November because the 1sth of November falls on a Sunday. If you receive your SSI payments via direct deposit, the funds should appear in your account on the scheduled date. For those who receive a paper check, delivery times may vary depending on your local postal service.
Who qualifies for the $1,415 SSI payment?
The maximum SSI benefit for an eligible individual in 2024 is $943 per month, while eligible couples can receive up to $1,415. However, some individuals may qualify for additional benefits if they live in states that supplement SSI payments. To qualify for SSI, you need to meet certain criteria:
- Age requirement: 65 years or older, or under 65 with a qualifying disability
- Income limitations: Countable income must fall below specific thresholds set by the SSA
- Asset limitations: Assets are capped at $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples
- Residency status: Must reside in the U.S. or the Northern Mariana Islands, with some exceptions for military personnel and certain U.S. citizens abroad
If you are unsure of your eligibility or think your payment amount may vary, check your account on the Social Security website or reach out to your local SSA office.
How are SSI payments calculated?
SSI payments depend on your income, living situation, and, in some cases, your location. The calculation process begins with the federal benefit rate, which is adjusted each year to reflect the cost of living. From there, your countable income – meaning income from most sources, excluding certain exemptions – is subtracted from the federal benefit rate.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s counted as income and what isn’t:
- Counted as income: Wages, pensions, unemployment benefits, etc.
- Excluded from income: SNAP benefits, some home energy assistance, and some other need-based programs
For many people, state supplemental payments also play a role, which varies widely by state and can push monthly totals up to a high range.
What if you do not receive your payment on time?
If your SSI payment has not been deposited in the said date, the SSA recommends waiting three days before contacting them. For mailed checks, delays can be longer, so they suggest waiting up to five days before reaching out.
Make sure you are ready for December’s payment, and plan your expenses with the knowledge that funds will arrive soon.