As the month of December draws to a close, so does the Social Security payment calendar for the year. However, this transition brings good news for beneficiaries. With the end of the 2024 calendar year, a new payment schedule for 2025 is set to begin—and it comes with an increase in benefits due to the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
Starting in January 2025, all Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), will reflect this COLA adjustment, ensuring higher monthly payments to keep up with inflation. This increase aims to provide beneficiaries with additional financial support as they navigate rising costs of living.
Who Will Receive the Extra Social Security Payment Next Week?
Next week—the final week of December—only a specific group of Social Security beneficiaries will receive a payment. Here’s what you need to know:
- Payment Groups: Social Security retirement and disability benefits are issued on four different Wednesdays of each month, based on the beneficiary’s birth date.
- Eligibility Requirements: To receive a payment on the fourth Wednesday of December (December 24th), beneficiaries must:
- Have been receiving Social Security benefits since after 1997.
- Have a birthday that falls between the 21st and 31st of any month.
If you meet these criteria and have not yet received your December payment, your check should arrive soon. For faster access to your funds, activating Direct Deposit ensures immediate receipt of benefits as soon as they are disbursed.
Additional SSA Check Before the Year Ends
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, there’s another important payment to note. While the final retirement payment of 2024 is scheduled for December 24th, eligible SSI beneficiaries will receive their January 2025 check early, on December 31st. Here’s why:
- January 1st is a federal holiday, so the Social Security Administration (SSA) processes SSI payments a day earlier when the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday.
- This early payment will include the new COLA increase of 3.2%, raising the maximum SSI benefit from $943 to $967.
By enrolling in Direct Deposit, SSI recipients can access their payments as soon as they are issued, providing financial relief before the new year begins.
What This Means for Beneficiaries
The arrival of an increased Social Security benefit in January 2025 is a welcome development for millions of Americans. Whether it’s through retirement benefits, disability payments, or Supplemental Security Income, these adjustments help address the challenges of inflation and ensure that recipients can maintain their purchasing power. If you’re among the beneficiaries expecting payments next week, be sure to check your Direct Deposit or mailbox for updates on your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who will receive the extra Social Security payment next week? A: Beneficiaries with birthdays between the 21st and 31st of any month, who began receiving Social Security benefits after 1997, will receive their payment on the fourth Wednesday of December (December 24th).
Q: What is the benefit of activating Direct Deposit for Social Security payments? A: Direct Deposit ensures immediate access to your funds as soon as the Social Security Administration disburses payments, eliminating delays associated with mailing checks.
Q: Why are SSI recipients receiving an additional check in December? A: Since January 1st, 2025, falls on a federal holiday, the SSA is issuing SSI payments for January a day early, on December 31st, 2024.
Q: Will the additional SSI check include the COLA increase for 2025? A: Yes, the SSI check issued on December 31st will reflect the 3.2% COLA adjustment, raising the maximum payment to $967.
Q: How can I confirm if I’m eligible for the December 24th payment? A: Check your birth date and ensure it falls between the 21st and 31st of any month, and verify that you began receiving Social Security benefits after 1997.
Q: What should I do if I haven’t received my payment by December 24th? A: If your payment hasn’t arrived, contact the Social Security Administration immediately to investigate the delay.
Q: How does the COLA adjustment benefit Social Security recipients? A: The COLA adjustment increases monthly payments to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation and maintain their purchasing power.