This week, select Social Security beneficiaries will receive two payments—one on Wednesday and another on Friday. These payments are part of the Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) program and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. However, only specific groups are eligible:
- RSDI beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st who claimed benefits after May 1997.
- SSI recipients whose usual payment date, the 1st of December, falls on a weekend. As a result, this payment has been rescheduled to Friday, November 29th.
Social Security Payments: Key Dates and December Schedule
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has outlined its payment schedule for the remainder of the year. After the November payments, the SSA will resume its regular payment schedule starting December 3rd, and SSI beneficiaries will receive an additional payment due to the January 1st holiday.
Confirmed December Payment Dates
| Beneficiary Group | Payment Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals with disabilities, survivors, and retirees who applied before May 1997 | December 3rd | Regular RSDI payments. |
| Individuals born between the 1st–10th | December 11th | Payment for those who applied after May 1997. |
| Individuals born between the 11th–20th | December 18th | Payment for those who applied after May 1997. |
| Individuals born between the 21st–31st | December 24th | Payment for those who applied after May 1997. |
| Extra SSI benefits | December 31st (Wednesday) | Covers January benefits, as January 1st falls on a holiday. Includes the 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase for 2025. |
Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025
The 2.5% COLA increase will boost payments across all Social Security programs starting in January 2025. SSI recipients will be the first to see the updated amounts, followed by all other beneficiaries on January 3rd.
Payment Increases by Category
| Program | Average Payment (2024) | With 2.5% COLA (2025) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retirement Benefits | |||
| Average | $1,900 | $1,948 | $48 |
| Age 62 | $2,710 | $2,778 | $68 |
| Age 67 | $3,822 | $3,918 | $96 |
| Age 70 | $4,873 | $4,995 | $122 |
| Survivor Benefits | |||
| Average | $1,505 | $1,543 | $38 |
| Individual | $1,773 | $1,817 | $44 |
| 2 Children | $3,653 | $3,744 | $91 |
| Disability Benefits | |||
| Average | $1,537 | $1,575 | $38 |
| Blind Recipients | $2,590 | $2,655 | $65 |
| Maximum Payment | $3,822 | $3,918 | $96 |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | |||
| Average | $698 | $715 | $17 |
| Individuals | $943 | $967 | $24 |
| Couples | $1,415 | $1,450 | $35 |
| Essential Person | $472 | $484 | $12 |
Eligibility for Maximum Retirement Benefits
Beneficiaries receiving the highest increases, such as retired workers delaying their benefits until age 70, will enjoy an additional $122 per month on average. However, to qualify for this maximum benefit, individuals must:
- Delay benefits beyond the full retirement age of 67.
- Accumulate sufficient work credits.
- Pay Social Security taxes based on the maximum taxable earnings limit for 35 years.
FAQs
Who qualifies for two Social Security payments this week?
Beneficiaries from the RSDI program born between the 21st and 31st and who applied after May 1997, along with SSI recipients, will receive two payments.
Why is the SSI payment date rescheduled?
The first of December falls on a weekend, so the SSA moved the payment to Friday, November 29th to ensure timely delivery.
How does the 2.5% COLA impact my payments?
The COLA adjustment increases Social Security checks across all programs. For example, the average retirement benefit will increase by $48 per month in 2025.
