In November, recipients of Supplemental Security Income SSI will notice something unusual with their payment schedule. Instead of the usual single monthly check, they will receive two payments this time around. If this has caused any confusion, rest assured, there’s a straightforward explanation: this is simply due to a shift in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) payment calendar.
This adjustment might go unnoticed by some, but it affects around 7.5 million people who rely on SSI in 2024. While such changes aren’t particularly rare, they do tend to create some uncertainty among recipients. In fact, the same situation that leads to two payments in November is the reason there won’t be a check issued in December. Something similar happened back in August when two payments were issued, but no SSI check followed in September.
Why are there two SSI payments in November?
The reason for the two payments in November comes down to a simple scheduling adjustment. Normally, SSI payments are sent out on the first business day of each month. However, in this case, December 1 falls on a Sunday. To avoid a delay, the SSA has moved the December payment up to Friday, November 29.
This means that SSI recipients will receive their payments on two important dates in November:
- Friday, November 1
- Friday, November 29
Therefore, beneficiaries will get their usual November payment on time, followed by the December payment at the end of November. As a result, no additional payments will be sent in December.
What is SSI and how does it work?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program designed to provide financial support to elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those with very low incomes. Unlike Social Security retirement benefits, which are funded through payroll taxes, SSI is financed by the U.S. Treasury, with some states possibly offering additional supplements.
The goal of SSI is to ensure a minimum income for individuals who meet certain financial and health-related criteria. People who are eligible for SSI include:
- Individuals aged 65 and older
- People with disabilities or blindness
- Those with little or no income and limited resources
In 2024, the maximum monthly amount an individual can receive is $943, while qualifying couples can receive up to $1,415.
Differences between SSI and disability insurance
It’s important to differentiate between SSI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While SSDI is based on a person’s work history and the payroll taxes they’ve paid over the course of their career, SSI does not require any prior work history. Both programs aim to assist people with disabilities, but SSI is specifically targeted at individuals with limited income, regardless of whether they’ve worked or not.
Social Security payment schedule for November
In addition to the double payment for SSI recipients, other Social Security beneficiaries will continue to receive their payments as usual in November. The SSA’s payment schedule for retirees is as follows:
- Wednesday, November 13: for those born between the 1st and 10th of any month
- Wednesday, November 20: for those born between the 11th and 20th of any month
- Wednesday, November 27: for those born between the 21st and 31st of any month
This schedule helps beneficiaries plan their finances in advance since the payment dates are published well ahead of time.
New features for SSI applications
The Social Security Administration recently announced plans to introduce a new online system designed to streamline the process for applying for SSI benefits. This new system, called iClaim, is expected to roll out by the end of this year and promises to make it easier for users to apply for benefits.
The iClaim system will feature simpler, more direct questions, making it easier for both applicants and SSA staff processing the claims. However, not all applicants will have immediate access to this new system. In its initial phase, iClaim will be available to single individuals who have never been married, are between the ages of 18 and 65, and are applying for both Social Security and SSI for the first time.
This development marks a significant improvement in accessibility, particularly for first-time applicants. It is expected to reduce the time spent on the application process and minimize the number of errors that typically occur during the traditional application process.
While this change will make the process more straightforward for certain individuals, it’s important to note that it won’t be available to everyone right away. As the system is gradually rolled out, more individuals will gain access, potentially alleviating some of the stress associated with applying for SSI and Social Security benefits. This change reflects SSA’s ongoing efforts to modernize its systems and provide better service to beneficiaries.
