This week, certain Social Security beneficiaries can expect an additional payment to arrive on Black Friday, November 29. Here’s everything you need to understand about this extra payment, who qualifies, and why it’s being issued early.
2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Announced
Starting in January 2025, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will see a 2.5% increase in their monthly payments due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This adjustment is designed to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation.
Updated Federal SSI Maximum Monthly Payments for 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced the new maximum SSI payment amounts for 2025:
| Category | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|
| Eligible individual | $967 |
| Eligible individual with a spouse | $1,450 |
| Essential person | $484 |
This change will impact about 7.5 million SSI beneficiaries. These updated amounts will take effect with the first payment of the year, which is issued early due to the New Year’s holiday falling on a weekend. Beneficiaries will see their increased payments beginning December 31, 2024.
Why Some Beneficiaries Will Receive Two Payments in November
While most Social Security beneficiaries receive one payment per month, SSI recipients will notice a second payment this November. This is because of a scheduling adjustment for December’s payment.
How the Payment Schedule Works
- Regular Payment Schedule: SSI payments are typically disbursed on the first day of each month.
- Adjustments for Holidays or Weekends: When the first day of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payments are issued on the last business day prior to the scheduled date.
November and December Payment Timeline
For 2024, December 1 falls on a Sunday. To avoid delays, the SSA will issue December’s SSI payment early, on Friday, November 29—Black Friday. This results in two payments for SSI recipients in November:
- First Payment: November’s SSI payment was disbursed on Friday, November 1.
- Second Payment: December’s SSI payment will arrive early on Friday, November 29.
Who Qualifies for the Additional November Payment?
If you are a recipient of SSI, you are eligible for the early payment on November 29. However, this isn’t an additional benefit or a bonus. It’s simply the December payment being issued in advance due to the adjusted schedule.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do SSI payments sometimes arrive early?
Payments are issued early when the scheduled date falls on a weekend or federal holiday. This ensures beneficiaries receive their funds without delay.
Does the extra payment mean more money overall?
No, the second payment in November is actually the December payment issued in advance. The total annual amount remains unchanged.
Will all Social Security beneficiaries receive two payments in November?
No. Only SSI recipients will receive two payments. Other Social Security beneficiaries follow a different payment schedule.
By understanding these adjustments, SSI recipients can better manage their finances during this transition.