The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages payments for over 72 million recipients monthly, including retirees, survivors, disabled individuals, and those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
These payments typically follow a set schedule, but certain months—such as December—see changes due to holidays or weekends. If you receive benefits through Retirement, Survivor, Disability Insurance (RSDI) or SSI, this guide will walk you through the significant updates to December’s payment schedule.
Changes to December’s Social Security Payment Dates
Regular Payment Schedule
Under normal circumstances, the SSA issues five rounds of payments each month:
- 1st of the Month: SSI recipients receive their benefits.
- 3rd of the Month: RSDI beneficiaries who claimed benefits before May 1997 receive their payments.
- 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays: Remaining RSDI beneficiaries receive payments based on their birthdates.
However, December brings three notable schedule changes affecting millions of beneficiaries. These changes are as follows:
1. Early SSI Payment
- Reason: December 1 falls on a weekend.
- New Payment Date: SSI benefits for December will be issued on Friday, November 29, 2024.
2. Early January SSI Payment
- Reason: January 1, 2025, is a holiday.
- New Payment Date: January benefits for SSI recipients will arrive on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
3. Adjusted RSDI Payments
- Reason: Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 25) impacts regular Wednesday payments.
- New Payment Date: RSDI beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st will receive their benefits on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
December Payment Schedule Overview
| Recipient Group | Payment Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SSI Recipients (December Benefits) | November 29, 2024 (Friday) | Early payment due to the first falling on a weekend. |
| RSDI Beneficiaries (Before May 1997) | December 3, 2024 (Tuesday) | Regular payment schedule. |
| RSDI Beneficiaries (Birthdays 1st–10th) | December 11, 2024 (Wednesday) | Regular payment schedule. |
| RSDI Beneficiaries (Birthdays 11th–20th) | December 18, 2024 (Wednesday) | Regular payment schedule. |
| RSDI Beneficiaries (Birthdays 21st–31st) | December 24, 2024 (Tuesday) | Adjusted due to Christmas Eve. |
| SSI Recipients (January Benefits) | December 31, 2024 (Tuesday) | Early payment due to New Year’s Day holiday. |
How Much Will Social Security Beneficiaries Receive in December?
The exact payment amount depends on the type of benefit and individual eligibility criteria. Below is a breakdown of the key factors affecting payments and the average benefit amounts:
Factors Influencing Payments
- Retirement Benefits: Determined by age, work history, and Social Security taxes paid for at least 10 years.
- Disability Benefits (SSDI): Requires proof of a disability that prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) and meeting tax contribution requirements.
- SSI Benefits: Based on income and resource limits to assist individuals with minimal financial resources.
Payment Amounts
| Benefit Type | Average Payment | Other Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Benefits | $1,900 | – Age 62: $2,710 |
| – Age 67: $3,822 | ||
| – Age 70: $4,873 | ||
| Survivors Benefits | $1,505 | – Individual: $1,773 |
| – With 2 Children: $3,653 | ||
| Disability Benefits | $1,537 | – Blind Recipients: $2,590 |
| – Maximum: $3,822 | ||
| SSI Benefits | $698 | – Individual: $943 |
| – Couples: $1,415 | ||
| – Essential Person: $472 |
Note: These amounts include the 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2024.
FAQs
Why is the SSI payment for December being issued in November?
December 1 falls on a weekend, prompting the SSA to send payments earlier, on November 29, 2024.
Will I receive two SSI payments in December?
Yes, one for December (on November 29, 2024) and an early payment for January (on December 31, 2024).
How do I check my payment details?
You can access your payment information via your My Social Security Account or by contacting your local SSA office.
