For Americans with disabilities, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provide essential financial support.
While both programs aim to help individuals unable to work due to a disability, they differ in eligibility requirements, payment amounts, and schedules. Social Security has specific schedules for each, with SSI typically paid before SSDI each month.
Here’s a breakdown of when each benefit is issued, including the updated payment dates for November, exceptions to the usual payment schedule, and the difference in benefit amounts.
November 2024 Payment Schedule for SSI and SSDI
For November 2024, SSI and SSDI payments will follow a unique schedule:
- SSI Payment on November 1: SSI is generally paid on the first day of the month. Since December 1 falls on a weekend, Social Security issued December’s SSI payment early, on November 29. This provides SSI recipients with two payments in November: one on November 1 for that month and one on November 29 as an advance for December.
- SSDI Payment Dates in November: SSDI payments are based on beneficiaries’ birth dates and follow a specific weekly schedule. Here’s the SSDI schedule for November:
- November 13: For recipients born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- November 20: For recipients born between the 11th and 20th.
- November 27: For recipients born between the 21st and 31st.
SSI beneficiaries will receive their payments on November 1 and 29, while SSDI beneficiaries will receive their payments on November 13, 20, or 27, depending on their birth dates.
How SSI and SSDI Differ in Payment Amounts
SSI and SSDI payments are structured differently:
- SSI Payments: Supplemental Security Income is intended for low-income individuals and families. SSI payments are generally lower than SSDI:
- Average SSI Payment: Around $697 monthly.
- Maximum SSI Payment: $943 for individuals, $1,415 for married couples, and $472 for an essential person who provides care to a beneficiary.
- SSDI Payments: Social Security Disability Insurance is calculated based on the recipient’s previous earnings, so payments are typically higher:
- Average SSDI Payment: Around $1,539 monthly.
- Maximum SSDI Payment: Up to $3,822 for those with a high earnings history.
These payment amounts can vary depending on each recipient’s individual work history (for SSDI) or income level (for SSI).
2025 COLA Increase and Its Impact on Payments
The 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), set at 2.5%, will be reflected in January 2025 payments.
Although the COLA increase technically goes into effect at the end of 2024, SSI recipients will see this adjustment in their December 31 payment as an advance for January.
SSDI beneficiaries will experience the increase in their January 2025 payments, helping to offset inflation and the rising cost of living.
Key Differences Between SSI and SSDI
Here’s a summary of the main distinctions between SSI and SSDI:
| Feature | SSI | SSDI |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Low-income individuals | Workers with sufficient work credits |
| Funding Source | General tax revenues | Social Security payroll taxes |
| Monthly Payment Amount | Up to $943 for individuals | Average of $1,539, max of $3,822 |
| Payment Schedule | 1st of the month (varies if on a weekend) | Based on birth date, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday |
| COLA Increase Start | December 31 (advance for Jan) | January 2025 |
In November 2024, SSI recipients will receive payments first, on November 1 and November 29, while SSDI recipients will receive their payments based on their birth dates later in the month.
Understanding the different payment schedules, eligibility criteria, and average amounts can help beneficiaries plan for their financial needs. The upcoming 2025 COLA will provide additional financial support as beneficiaries head into the new year.
