Important Update for SSI Recipients: Two Checks in November, No Payments in December
Some Social Security beneficiaries might notice an unusual update for next month’s payment schedule: an extra Supplemental Security Income (SSI) check is set for November. While this adjustment may not be surprising for those closely following the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) 2024 calendar, it could cause confusion for recipients accustomed to monthly payments.
Understanding the Calendar Quirk
The reason for this extra payment is a scheduling quirk. Approximately 7.5 million individuals receive SSI benefits, and even a minor adjustment can lead to uncertainty. In this case, the same calendar anomaly that results in two checks in November will also lead to no SSI payment in December. This situation mirrors what occurred in August, when recipients received two checks but no payment in September.
November Payment Dates
SSI recipients will receive their payments on the following dates:
- Friday, Nov. 1: First payment of the month.
- Friday, Nov. 29: Second payment, adjusted due to the calendar.
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, differs from traditional Social Security retirement benefits. According to AARP, while the SSA administers SSI benefits, these funds are not derived from Social Security taxes. Instead, SSI is financed by the U.S. Treasury and state-level supplements.
SSI aims to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities who fall below a certain income threshold. Eligibility criteria include:
- Little or no income.
- Little or no resources.
- A disability, blindness, or being 65 years of age or older.
For 2024, the maximum monthly benefit is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples if both qualify.
Distinction Between SSI and SSDI
It is important to note that SSI differs from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is determined by an individual’s work history. SSDI benefits those who have a disability and have contributed to Social Security through income taxes. In contrast, SSI does not require any work history for eligibility.
November Social Security Payment Schedule
The SSA publishes its yearly payment schedules well in advance. For planning purposes, the November payment schedule for typical Social Security retirement benefits is as follows:
- Wednesday, Nov. 13: Birth dates between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- Wednesday, Nov. 20: Birth dates between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- Wednesday, Nov. 27: Birth dates between the 21st and 31st of the month.
Upcoming Changes to SSI Applications
In an exciting development, the SSA recently announced a new, streamlined process for applying for SSI benefits. This new online system, known as iClaim, will feature straightforward, plain-language questions designed to simplify the application process for both applicants and claims processors.
However, not all applicants will have immediate access to the new system upon its rollout. The first phase, set for December, will generally be available to first-time applicants between the ages of 18 and nearly 65 who have never married and are concurrently applying for Social Security benefits and SSI. A second phase, expanding access to all applicants, is planned for 2025.
