Social Security recipients receive monthly payments, and in December, another batch will be sent out to tens of millions of claimants across the United States of America.
SSI payments are separate from regular Social Security benefits. Receiving Social Security payments does not automatically make someone eligible for SSI payments, and the reverse is also true. Photo: Freepik/CNN
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a highly regarded government agency that manages five programs aimed at assisting society's most vulnerable individuals. Each program has specific eligibility criteria and distribution schedules to ensure accuracy and timely delivery of benefits. In the next week, millions of beneficiaries will receive their December Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment.
The payment amount varies based on the number of applicants. Individuals can receive up to US$943 monthly, couples up to US$1.415, and essential persons, who offer necessary care to SSI recipients, up to US$472. Due to inflation, these amounts have increased by 3,2% compared to last year.
What is the Social Security payment schedule in December?
Given the diversity of these programs and the populations they serve, SSA has divided the payments into three categories: those who started claiming before May 1997, those who started after, and SSI recipients. The schedule in December is as follows:
A calendar quirk means SSI beneficiaries receive a second payment on November 29th, due to the December 1st payment falling on a Sunday. Since payments cannot be made on weekends or holidays, they are issued the preceding business day, which is this year’s Black Friday.
Despite its popularity, Black Friday is not a national holiday; banks and retailers remain open, ensuring the timely distribution of benefits.
What are the other 2 categories of Social Security payment?
- Before May 1997: Payments on the 3rd of each month.
- After May 1997: Payments depend on birth date:
- 1st-10th: Second Wednesday
- 11th-20th: Third Wednesday
- 21st-31st: Fourth Wednesday
- SSI Recipients: Payments on the 1st of each month.
For November, the payments are scheduled as:
- SSI beneficiaries: November 1st
- Pre-May 1997: November 3rd
- Born 1st-10th: November 13th
- Born 11th-20th: November 20th
- Born 21st-31st: November 27th
What programs does Social Security provide to its beneficiaries?
- Retirement: Available to workers with at least 10 years of taxable income and who are 62 years or older.
- Disability: Requires beneficiaries to have worked a minimum period and meet SSA's medical criteria.
- Survivors: Eligibility depends on the deceased worker's relationship and age at death.
- Family benefits: Similar to survivors, eligibility is based on the relationship with the worker. Current and former spouses may receive up to 50% of the retired worker’s benefit at full retirement age.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Requires meeting age or disability criteria and certain income and resource limits, and is compatible with other benefits.