As the end of the year draws near, Social Security has announced that SSI beneficiaries will receive an extra payment on December 31st, but there’s an important detail to note. Typically, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are made on the first of each month, but when that day falls on a weekend or holiday, Social Security adjusts the payment schedule to ensure recipients receive their benefits on time.
This month, because January 1st falls on a holiday, the Social Security Administration is advancing the payment to December 31st. However, there’s more to this announcement than just a change in the date.
The December 31st SSI Payment Includes a Boost for Over 7 Million Beneficiaries
In addition to receiving their monthly payment early, SSI recipients will also see an increase due to the 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA). This COLA adjustment is intended to help beneficiaries keep up with rising inflation, which is particularly crucial for low-income Americans and individuals with disabilities who rely heavily on SSI payments to meet their basic needs.
For the month of December, recipients will see the following increases:
- Average SSI Beneficiary: $698 to $715 (an increase of $17)
- Individuals: $943 to $967 (an increase of $24)
- Couples: $1,415 to $1,450 (an increase of $35)
- Essential Person (EP): $472 to $484 (an increase of $12)
This increase, while modest, is a critical source of additional support for those who need it most, as these payments help individuals and families avoid poverty and meet daily living expenses.
January 2024 SSI Payments Will Be Delayed Until January 31st
After the extra December 31st payment, the next SSI payment will occur on January 31st, because the first of February falls on a weekend. This is part of the Social Security Administration’s continued efforts to ensure recipients receive their payments on time, even when the scheduled payment date coincides with a weekend or holiday.
Looking ahead to 2025, here are the confirmed SSI payment dates:
| Month | Payment Date | Advanced Payment Date |
|---|---|---|
| January | December 31st | January 31st (February 1st) |
| February | February 28th | March 1st |
| March | March 1st | |
| April | April 1st | |
| May | May 1st | May 30th (June 1st) |
| June | June 1st | |
| July | July 1st | |
| August | August 1st | August 29th (September 1st) |
| September | September 1st | |
| October | October 1st | October 31st (November 1st) |
| November | November 1st | |
| December | December 1st | December 31st (January 1st) |
How to Apply for SSI Benefits
SSI provides critical financial assistance to elderly individuals and those with disabilities who have limited income and resources. To apply, individuals can either submit an application online (available only for those with disabilities) or call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Alternatively, applicants can visit their local Social Security office.
Processing times vary, but it typically takes three to five months for an application to be processed. However, individuals with severe disabilities may qualify for faster processing through Social Security’s Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program.
What to Do if Your SSI Application is Denied
A significant number of SSI applications are rejected. If your application is denied, consider seeking help from a Social Security disability advocate. They can assist you with the appeals process. For referrals, you can contact the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives at 1-800-431-2804.
