Social Security recipients may notice a change in their payment schedule this month due to the calendar. Some beneficiaries will receive two payments in December, while others may see their cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase take effect earlier than usual. Those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) typically get their payments on the first of each month.
However, since December 1 fell on a Sunday this year, SSI recipients received their December payment on November 29. They will also receive a payment on December 31, which is an advance for their January 2025 benefit. The Social Security Administration announced a 2.5% COLA for 2025, the smallest increase since 2021.
December payment schedule changes
This adjustment will add an average of $50 to each monthly benefit check, bringing the average payment to $1,976 per month. For most Social Security recipients, the new COLA will take effect with their January payment.
However, SSI beneficiaries will see the increase reflected in their December 31 payment, which represents their January 2025 benefit. The schedule for when Social Security recipients will receive their new 2025 COLA payments is as follows:
– December 31: SSI beneficiaries
– January 3: Those who claimed Social Security before May 1997 or who receive both Social Security and SSI
– January 8: Recipients born between the 1st and 10th of the month
– January 15: Recipients born between the 11th and 20th of the month
– January 22: Those born between the 21st and 31st of the month
The Social Security Administration is mailing COLA notices throughout December to inform beneficiaries about how their benefits will change with the cost-of-living increase. Recipients can also log into their personal accounts, if created before November 20, to view their COLA notice starting in early December.
It is important for beneficiaries to understand that receiving two payments in December does not mean they are getting extra money. The second payment is an advance on their January benefit, so proper budgeting is crucial to maintain financial stability in the following month.
