If you rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, you might have noticed that January’s payment will not arrive on the usual date. This change happens because January 1, 2025, falls on New Year’s Day, which is a federal holiday. Federal offices, including those that handle Social Security, are closed on holidays, meaning payments cannot be processed on that day.
Instead, SSI payments scheduled for the 1st of next month are sent out on the last working day before the holiday. This means you will receive your January SSI payment by December 2024, just before the new year begins.
What is the SSI payment schedule for December and January?
You might wonder how this shift impacts your finances or how to prepare for it. Here is a quick breakdown of the schedule:
- January 1, 2025: Regular SSI payment for December.
- December 31, 2024: Last business day of December. Since January 1 is a holiday, your January SSI payment will arrive on this date.
This early payment schedule is not unusual, so if you have received SSI in the past, you may already be familiar with it.
Will my SSI payment amount change?
The good news is that this scheduling adjustment does not affect the amount you will receive. Your January SSI payment will still reflect any adjustments for cost-of-living increases that take effect at the start of the new year. For 2025, SSI benefits are expected to include the new Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announced this year by the SSA.
Make sure to check your benefit letter or the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) website for confirmation of your specific payment amount.
How can I prepare for the early payment?
Getting your payment earlier than usual might require a little planning to ensure it lasts through January. Here are some tips to help:
- Create a budget: Plan how to stretch your SSI payment until the next one arrives in February.
- Set reminders: Mark your calendar to avoid confusion about the earlier deposit date.
- Check your bank account: Confirm that the payment has been deposited on December 31. If there is any issue, reach out to your bank or the SSA promptly.
How much will you receive as your SSI payment?
The amount you can receive is based on the status of your claim. Individuals, couples and essential persons will be paid $967, $1,450 and $484 respectively.
What if I do not receive my payment on December 31?
If your SSI payment does not arrive as expected, here is what you can do:
- Wait for a day: Sometimes, payments may take a few extra hours or until the next business day to process.
- Contact the SSA: Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report the delay and confirm your payment status.
- Check your bank account: Ensure there are no holds or issues on your end.
What are the benefits of the early SSI payment?
Changing the routine may be a little inconvenient, but receiving your SSI for January before the usual date has its advantages. One is, you will have money to pay for any expenses that might come up before the year ends or for any new year’s needs. Also, you are off on the right foot financially as you begin 2025.
