Supplemental Security Income recipients typically receive their checks at the beginning of the month, but that won’t happen this December. SSI payment dates can change depending on what day the month starts, and that’s what’s happening this month. Below, we’ll explain why the check you receive this month isn’t actually for the month of December and why it’ll arrive late.
Supplemental Security Income is a program run by the Social Security Administration. It benefits qualifying recipients with limited income and resources and people with qualifying disabilities. Children who are blind or with disabilities may also qualify for SSI.
If you just started receiving benefits, or you’re about to apply to SSI, we’ll break down the payment schedule for the rest of the year so you won’t have to guess when to expect your next check. For more, check out how to apply for Social Security benefits and learn four ways you could actually lose your benefits.
SSI payment schedule: Here’s why your check will be late
Here’s when you can expect to receive your SSI payments for the rest of the year.
- Friday, Nov. 29 (for December)
- Tuesday, Dec. 31 (for January, 2025)
Since the first day of December is a Sunday this year, that check was paid out on Friday, Nov. 29. So, beneficiaries have already received their check for December. Since January 1st is considered a holiday, the first payment for 2025 will be sent out on December 31st.
If I get other Social Security benefits, will I get those early, too?
No. For the most part, each Social Security benefit has a straightforward schedule, with only a couple of instances where it can waver from the typical timetable. For your reference, November’s Social Security payment schedule is below.
| If you’ve received Social Security before May 1997 | Dec. 3 |
|---|---|
| If your birthday falls between day 1 and 10 of the month | Dec. 11 |
| If your birthday falls between day 11 and 20 of the month | Dec. 18 |
| If your birthday falls between day 21 and 31 of the month | Dec. 24 |
For more, check out the latest on the 2025 COLA announcement and how your Social Security benefits can be suspended if you do these things.
