December SSI Payment of $943 Coming Early—What You Need to Know About 2024’s Final Check

Millions of Americans rely on Social Security programs for their income. For those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the program helps provide financial support, especially for people with disabilities or limited income. However, there is some important news regarding the final Social Security payment of 2024.

SSI Payments and the $943 Distribution

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps people aged 65 and older, as well as individuals of any age with a disability, including children, who have limited resources. To qualify, an individual must have assets of less than $2,000, or less than $3,000 as a couple.

For the year 2024, SSI recipients are set to receive a maximum monthly payment of $943, an increase from $917 in 2023. The amount may vary from person to person, depending on factors like income and assets.

Payment Dates and the Black Friday Distribution

Normally, SSI payments are sent on the first day of every month. If the first falls on a weekend, however, payments are issued on the Friday before. Since December 1, 2024, falls on a Sunday, recipients will see the $943 payment in their accounts on November 29, 2024. This means recipients will get a double-payment this month, as another payment was issued on November 1, 2024.

This $943 payment will be the last one of the year, with the next payment, scheduled for January 1, 2025, seeing an increase due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

COLA Bump for 2025

The COLA increase for 2025 was announced on October 10, 2024, and it’s set at 2.5%, which is the lowest increase in about four years. This means the January 2025 distribution will be $967, up from the previous $943.

While the payment will technically be due on January 1, 2025, it will be sent out on December 31, 2024, due to New Year’s Day being a federal holiday. Therefore, recipients will receive the 2025 COLA increase ahead of time with their $967 payment.

Important Dates to Remember

Here are some important upcoming dates for SSI recipients:

• November 29, 2024: Last payment of 2024 at $943.
• December 31, 2024: $967 payment for January 2025 due to the COLA increase.
• February 28, 2025: Payment for March 2025 will be sent.

For further clarification on payment dates, the Social Security Administration offers a detailed calendar on their official website.

What to Do If Payments Are Missing or Delayed

If any recipient notices a missing or delayed SSI or Social Security payment, they should contact their local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. The SSA has also announced new changes for 2025, including potential check increases for some, with some recipients receiving up to $4,018 per check, depending on their age.

Conclusion

The final Social Security payment of 2024, which will be $943, is going out soon and will arrive ahead of the COLA increase set for 2025. Although SSI recipients will receive extra benefits slightly earlier than expected, it’s important to stay updated on any changes to future payment schedules. Be sure to mark these important dates on your calendar!

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