The U.S. Social Security Administration is set to distribute one of its final payments for 2024 on December 3. This payment specifically targets individuals classified under Group 1 beneficiaries, which includes retirees and disability benefit recipients who meet particular eligibility requirements.
The maximum possible payout for this date is $4,873. To qualify for this amount, individuals must have worked for at least 35 years and delayed claiming Social Security benefits until reaching their late retirement age. However, not all beneficiaries will receive the maximum amount, as payments are determined by factors such as lifetime earnings and the age at which benefits were claimed.
Eligibility for the December 3 Payment
This payment is exclusively available to Group 1 beneficiaries—those who began receiving Social Security benefits on or before May 1997. Both age-based retirees and disability benefit recipients who meet this criterion are eligible.
It’s important to note that the December 3 payment is separate from other payments scheduled for December 11, 18, and 24, which are intended for different beneficiary groups.
Key Requirements for December 3 Payments
- Started Benefits Before May 1997: Only individuals who began receiving Social Security benefits before this date qualify as Group 1 beneficiaries.
- Includes Retirees and Disability Recipients: Both categories of beneficiaries are covered under this payment.
Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
While the December 3 payment provides crucial support, not all beneficiaries receive the maximum payout. Below are strategies to maximize Social Security benefits for the future:
Delay Claiming Benefits:
Postponing Social Security benefits until age 70 can significantly increase monthly payments. Each year you delay beyond your full retirement age (66 or 67, depending on your birth year) boosts benefits by about 8%.