If you receive SSI or Social Security benefits, there’s positive news as the year ends. Between November and December, beneficiaries might see up to five payments, which includes the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This payment schedule provides extra support to kick off the new year, helping cover the additional expenses that often come with the holiday season.
These scheduled payments provide essential coverage before the year-end holidays arrive. Each payment will remain at its usual amount, except for the one issued on December 31, which will incorporate the 2025 COLA increase.
What are the SSI and Social Security payments in November?
Throughout November, the Social Security Administration will send up to five payments to various beneficiary groups. Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
- November 1: This is the monthly SSI payment for November, designated for recipients of Supplemental Security Income.
- November 1: Payment for Group 2 retirees, which includes those who began receiving benefits after May 1997 and have birthdays between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- November 20: Payment for retirees in Group 3, whose birthdays fall between the 11th and 20th.
- November 27: Payment for Group 4 retirees, born between the 21st and 31st.
- November 29: An additional SSI payment, advanced due to December 1 falling on a weekend. Although technically the December payment, this advance ensures beneficiaries can access their funds without delay.
What Social Security and SSI payments come in December?
In December, Social Security payments will follow the usual schedule for each retiree group, with an additional SSI payment at the end of the month that will include the COLA increase for 2025. Here are the important dates:
- December 11: First payment for Group 2 retirees.
- December 18: Payment for Group 3 beneficiaries, with birthdays from the 11th to the 20th.
- December 25: Payment for Group 4 retirees, those born between the 21st and 31st.
- December 31: An additional SSI payment that includes the 2025 COLA increase.
This final annual payment is especially significant because it introduces the COLA increase for SSI in advance, on December 31, allowing beneficiaries to access these enhanced funds right as they head into the holiday season.
How the COLA adjustment works and when it starts
The COLA, or Cost-of-Living Adjustment, is based on the consumer price index and is designed to keep Social Security and SSI benefits aligned with rising living costs. For 2025, this adjustment will be 2.5%, meaning a modest increase in monthly payments. The purpose of the COLA is to offset inflation’s impact on beneficiaries’ expenses, though this year’s increase is slightly lower compared to recent years.
The first payment that will reflect this increase is the SSI check on December 31. Beneficiaries will see the increase reflected in their January payments, with the adjustment effectively coming into effect at the end of the year.
Why these additional payments are important
The end-of-year payment schedule offers beneficiaries increased financial stability heading into 2025. Receiving up to five payments between November and December can be a significant relief for those who rely on Social Security and SSI to cover their essential expenses. This series of payments ensures beneficiaries have an extra source of income as the year closes, easing any additional needs that might arise during the holiday season or at the start of the year.
With this payment schedule, Social Security not only fulfills its monthly benefit obligations but also ensures an advance payment in December for SSI beneficiaries. This approach is a valuable measure for those who depend on these benefits, as it allows them to manage year-end expenses with greater peace of mind.