Each year, the Social Security Administration establishes a payment calendar for beneficiaries of retirement, survivor, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. This schedule allows millions of recipients to plan ahead by marking the exact dates their payments will arrive throughout the year.
As the end of the year approaches, it’s especially important for retirees, individuals with disabilities, survivor benefit recipients, and SSI beneficiaries to know the final payment dates for 2024.
Benefit programs for retirees and other groups
The Social Security Administration manages several programs designed to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations, including retirees, individuals with disabilities, and SSI recipients. These programs share a common goal: to support those who need financial assistance the most. Below is a summary of these benefits and the specific payment dates for December.
Retirement benefits program: This federal program is for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least ten years and are 62 years or older.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program supports people with long-term disabilities that prevent them from working for a year or more. Monthly financial assistance helps these individuals meet basic living needs.
Survivor benefits program: Individuals who have contributed to Social Security throughout their lives may pass a portion of their benefits to dependents upon their death. Eligible dependents include spouses, children, and other family members who rely on the deceased for support.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Designed for individuals with limited income and resources, this program provides financial assistance to cover basic needs such as housing and food.
Criteria for payments by program
Each program follows specific rules for distributing benefits:
- SSI: Payments are issued on the first day of the month unless it falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case the payment is made on the prior business day.
- Retirement, survivor, and disability beneficiaries prior to May 1997: Individuals who began receiving these benefits before May 1997 are paid on the third day of each month.
Retirement, survivor, and disability beneficiaries after May 1997: Payments for these individuals are determined by their birth date:
- Born between the 1st and 10th of the month: payments are made on the second Wednesday.
- Born between the 11th and 20th of the month: payments are made on the third Wednesday.
- Born between the 21st and 31st of the month: payments are made on the fourth Wednesday.
What to consider when receiving December payments
Some beneficiaries may notice two payments arriving in December. This happens when the January payment is issued early, usually on the last business day of December, to account for holidays. For SSI beneficiaries, this means an additional payment in December that technically applies to January.
It’s also worth noting that while Social Security payment dates are consistent, deposits may sometimes appear in bank accounts a day later. This slight delay often depends on the bank or financial institution processing the payment. However, most payments are deposited punctually on the SSA-specified date.