The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced updated payment dates for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, including early disbursements for December and the new year.
These changes ensure that beneficiaries receive their payments on time, even when scheduled dates fall on federal holidays.
Here’s a look at the updated payment schedule and the maximum benefit amounts, effective with the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
SSI Payment Schedule for December and January
December SSI Payments
All SSI recipients received their November benefits on November 1, 2024. However, the December payment, which would typically be issued on December 1, has been rescheduled to November 29, 2024.
This early disbursement allows recipients to access their funds ahead of the month’s start.
January SSI Payments
Due to New Year’s Day being a federal holiday, January SSI payments will be issued on December 31, 2024. This early release means recipients will receive their January payment with the 2025 COLA increase on the last day of December, effectively providing two payments within December.
2025 SSI Benefit Amounts with COLA Increase
The 2025 COLA adjustment raises SSI benefit amounts for eligible recipients. Here are the maximum monthly amounts effective from December 31, 2024:
- Essential Persons: Up to $484 (previously $472)
- Individual Recipients: Up to $967 (previously $943)
- Married Couples: Up to $1,450 (previously $1,415)
Who Qualifies for These Payments?
SSI payments are available to low-income individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind, or have a disability. Eligibility depends on financial need, not prior contributions to Social Security, as SSI is funded by general federal revenue rather than Social Security’s Trust Funds.
Essential persons—those who provide necessary in-home care or support to an SSI beneficiary—are eligible for a smaller maximum benefit of $484 under the 2025 COLA.
Why Are There Two SSI Payments in December?
The SSI program occasionally reschedules payments to avoid conflicts with federal holidays or weekends. For December, this means:
- November 29, 2024: Early issuance of the December payment.
- December 31, 2024: Early issuance of the January 2025 payment, including the COLA increase.
This results in two disbursements in December, though the December 31 payment is technically the January benefit.
Tips for Managing SSI Payments
- Track Payment Dates: Being aware of early payment dates helps beneficiaries manage their budgets.
- Monitor SSA Communications: Regularly checking for updates from SSA ensures you’re informed about any further changes.
- Understand COLA Adjustments: Knowing how COLA adjustments affect your benefit helps with financial planning for the year ahead.
These adjustments provide a smoother transition into 2025, offering financial support for SSI beneficiaries just as living costs continue to rise.
