Most Social Security recipients are accustomed to receiving one check each month, but a scheduling quirk means some older Americans missed a payment at the start of December. Additionally, some beneficiaries may see their annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) take effect earlier than the usual January implementation. While the Social Security Administration (SSA) plans its payment calendar far in advance, this month’s unique schedule and COLA updates might catch some recipients off guard, bringing both surprises and adjustments to their financial plans.
Payment Dates for December 2024
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, payments are usually issued on the first of each month. However, since December 1 fell on a Sunday, the SSA disbursed these payments on Friday, November 29. Further complicating the schedule, the January 2025 SSI payment will be sent on December 31, 2024, due to the New Year’s Day holiday.
For Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries, the payment schedule is determined by the recipient’s birth date:
- Birth Dates 1st-10th: Payment on December 11
- Birth Dates 11th-20th: Payment on December 18
- Birth Dates 21st-31st: Payment on December 24
Beneficiaries who started receiving payments before May 1997, or those who receive both SSI and Social Security benefits, received their December payment on December 3.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Update
This month also brings the implementation of the 2.5% COLA for 2025, the smallest increase since 2021, reflecting moderating inflation rates. For most beneficiaries, this adjustment will be reflected in their January 2025 payment. However, SSI recipients will see the increase applied earlier, to their December 31, 2024, payment.
The COLA will result in an average monthly increase of about $50, bringing the average benefit payment to approximately $1,976.
What Beneficiaries Should Know
The adjusted payment dates and the early implementation of the COLA highlight the importance of staying informed about changes to Social Security benefits. Beneficiaries are encouraged to review the SSA’s resources to ensure they are prepared for any adjustments.
For more details on payment schedules and COLA updates, visit the Social Security Administration’s official website.
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