Goodbye to SSI Check in December – Social Security Announces It in its Schedule

As November rolls in, recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) should be aware of an important scheduling adjustment: there will be no SSI payments issued in December. Instead, beneficiaries will receive two payments in November. This is due to the annual payment schedule established by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which adjusts payments when the first of the month falls on a weekend or federal holiday. This year, because December 1 is a Sunday, the SSA will send out December’s payment on the prior business day, ensuring beneficiaries get their funds without delay.

Understanding SSI Payment Eligibility and Funding

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is designed to provide financial support to elderly and disabled individuals who have limited income and resources. Unlike regular Social Security benefits funded by payroll taxes, SSI is financed through the U.S. Treasury and state supplements, not through Social Security taxes. The eligibility criteria for SSI are straightforward and focused on helping those with minimal financial means. According to the SSA, individuals (including children) may qualify if they meet the following requirements:

• Low or No Income: Beneficiaries must demonstrate limited or no regular income.
• Limited Resources: SSI is reserved for those with few financial assets.
• Age or Disability: Applicants must be at least 65 years old, be blind, or have a qualifying disability.

For 2024, the maximum monthly benefit for individuals is set at $943, while eligible couples can receive up to $1,415. Notably, SSI eligibility does not depend on work history, differentiating it from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which does require prior employment and sufficient work credits.

Adjusted Payment Schedule for November and December 2023

Due to the December 1 date falling on a weekend, the SSA will issue December’s SSI payment on Friday, November 29. This follows the typical SSA protocol of advancing payments when the first of the month is not a business day. SSI recipients will, therefore, see two payments in November:

• November 1: Regular November payment
• November 29: December payment issued in advance

Additionally, SSI recipients will receive an extra check on December 31 for January’s benefit, as January 1 is a federal holiday. This proactive scheduling ensures that recipients avoid any gaps in their monthly income.

Upcoming COLA Adjustments for SSI Payments

Beneficiaries can also expect a boost in their 2024 payments thanks to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which the SSA confirmed in October. COLA adjustments account for inflation, helping to preserve the purchasing power of Social Security and SSI benefits. Starting in January 2024, the new monthly SSI payment amounts will reflect this increase:

Beneficiary Type	2023 Payment	2024 Payment (with COLA)	Increase
Average Beneficiary	$698	$715	$17
Individuals	$943	$967	$24
Couples	$1,415	$1,450	$35
Essential Person*	$472	$484	$12

*Note: An “essential person” is someone who lives with an SSI recipient and provides necessary support, affecting the overall benefit calculation.

Simplified SSI Application Process Launches in December

The SSA is launching an enhanced online SSI application process, known as iClaim, to streamline the process for new applicants. This new system will make applying easier by featuring clearer, user-friendly questions that simplify the process for both applicants and SSA staff.

In the first phase, set to begin in December, the system will be available to first-time applicants who are single, between the ages of 18 and 65, and seeking both SSI and Social Security benefits. In 2025, the SSA plans to expand access to the iClaim system to additional groups, aiming to make SSI applications more accessible to a broader audience.