November brings two Social Security payments

Social Security beneficiaries across the United States could see an additional financial boost during the last week of November. This month brings the regular retirement or disability payment for recipients and a second payment for some Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. For those who qualify for both programs, the total amount of these payments can exceed $5,800 in a single month. This can help cover significant expenses during this time. To receive both payments in the last week of November, beneficiaries must meet two key conditions. They must belong to Social Security Retiree Group 4, which includes those born between the 21st and 31st of any month who began receiving benefits after May 1997. This group will receive their November payment on November 27. SSI recipients will receive their monthly payment in advance on November 29, as December 1 falls on a Sunday. This check is for the month of December to ensure recipients have the funds without delay. The retirement or disability benefit helps those who have retired or are disabled. SSI is intended for individuals with limited income or disabilities who meet specific financial criteria. Receiving both payments in the same week can significantly ease the financial burden at the end of the year. There are ways to maximize Social Security benefits over the long term. Delaying retirement age, working a minimum of 35 years, and increasing lifetime earnings are key strategies for higher future income. Social Security checks worth up to $4,873 will be paid out later this week. When your benefits are paid out depends on several factors. Beneficiaries with a birthday that falls between the 1st and 10th of any given month will be paid their allotment on Wednesday, November 13. Those claimants who have a birthday between the 11th and 20th will receive their monthly amount on November 20. Any claimant born between the 21st and 31st of any month will have their benefits paid on November 27.

Social Security boosts for November payments

As of June 2024, the average recipient of Social Security benefits was receiving $1,869.77, though some may receive up to $4,873 per month. This maximum is available only to those who retire at age 70. Benefit amounts will soon rise in line with the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). For 2025, benefits are subject to a 2.5 percent increase. “Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool,” Martin O’Malley, commissioner of Social Security, said. The schedule will change slightly for December due to the Christmas holiday. While the payments for the second and third Wednesdays will be delivered as usual, recipients scheduled to receive their benefits on the fourth Wednesday will get their payments a day early, on Dec. 24. SSI recipients will receive two payments in November – the first on the regular date of Nov. 1 and the second on Nov. 29. For December, SSI recipients will receive their payments a day early on Dec. 31, due to the New Year’s Day holiday. These checks will reflect two different amounts because the 2025 COLA increase will apply to the payment made on Dec. 31. The 2024 maximum SSI payment is $943 for single individuals and $1,415 for couples. These amounts will increase in 2025 to $967 for singles and $1,450 for couples. A total of 72.5 million beneficiaries will see a 2.5% benefit boost in 2025. The 2.5% increase means the average beneficiary receiving $1,870 per month will see an increase of approximately $46.80 next year.