December 2024 will be an important month for Social Security beneficiaries in the United States, as it brings both regular and additional payments, especially for those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The calendar quirks this year mean that SSI recipients will receive two payments in December, providing some unexpected financial relief before the new year begins. This is not a regular occurrence, but it offers a unique opportunity for beneficiaries to better manage their budgets as they wrap up the year.
Social Security will continue with its standard payment schedule for retirees and beneficiaries in December, with the dates determined by birthdates and other factors. However, the most notable event this month is the advance payment for SSI recipients, which will occur on December 29. This early payment is intended to prevent a delay caused by the usual January 1 payment date, which falls on a holiday. As a result, SSI recipients will receive two payments in December: one for the regular December payment and another for January 2025.
Social Security Payment Schedule for December 2024:
- December 3: Special payment for retirees who began receiving benefits before May 1997.
- December 11: Payments for Group 2 (birthdays from the 1st to the 10th).
- December 18: Payments for Group 3 (birthdays from the 11th to the 20th).
- December 24: Payments for Group 4 (birthdays from the 21st to the 31st), with payments made a day earlier due to the holiday on December 25.
For SSI recipients, the additional check will be issued on December 29, marking the advance payment for January 2025. This shift is necessary because the first of the month falls on a holiday, and payments are moved to the preceding business day.