Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial assistance to around 7.5 million low-income Americans.
For November 2024, SSI recipients will receive their December payment early—on Black Friday, November 29—due to December 1 falling on a Sunday. Here’s a breakdown of payment amounts, the impact of the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and eligibility details.
Why the Black Friday Payment?
SSI payments are typically issued on the first day of the month, but when this falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSA reschedules payments to the preceding business day. To ensure there are no delays, the December SSI payment will arrive early, on November 29, 2024.
SSI Payment Amounts on Black Friday
For Black Friday, SSI recipients will receive their November 2024 amounts, which do not yet include the 2025 COLA increase. Here are the details:
| Recipient Category | Payment Amount (Black Friday) | Payment Amount (After COLA) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $943 | $967 |
| Eligible Couple | $1,415 | $1,450 |
| Essential Person | $472 | $484 |
The 2.5% COLA increase will apply starting with the December 31, 2024 payment, impacting payments made in January 2025 and beyond.
Eligibility for SSI on Black Friday
To receive your SSI payment on November 29, 2024, you must meet the program’s eligibility requirements and maintain your qualification status.
General Eligibility Criteria:
- Low Income: Your income must be below SSA thresholds.
- Limited Resources: Your assets must not exceed $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples (excluding specific exclusions like your home).
- Disability, Blindness, or Age: You must have a qualifying disability, be blind, or be 65 years or older.
- Residency: You must reside in the U.S. or certain U.S. territories.
Changes That Could Affect Eligibility:
- Marriage: Changes in marital status may affect benefit amounts.
- Inheritance or Windfall: Receiving a large sum of money could disqualify you temporarily.
When Will the COLA Increase Take Effect?
The 2.5% COLA increase will not be reflected in the November 29 payment. Instead, the increase will take effect with the December 31, 2024 payment, applying to benefits received in January 2025.
For example:
- An individual currently receiving $943 will see their benefit rise to $967.
- A couple’s payment will increase from $1,415 to $1,450.
- Essential persons will see their benefits grow from $472 to $484.
Staying Eligible and Informed
To ensure you continue to receive your benefits:
- Report Changes: Notify SSA immediately of changes in income, marital status, or living arrangements.
- Monitor Your Payments: Use the my Social Security portal to view payment amounts and check for updates.
- Plan Ahead for COLA Adjustments: Understand how these changes impact your financial planning.
The Black Friday SSI payment ensures recipients receive their December benefits on time, even as they await the upcoming COLA increase at year’s end.
