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Some recipients will receive two checks in November

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Some Social Security recipients may have noticed something unusual about next month's schedule: An additional SSI check payment is scheduled for November.

For those keeping a close eye on the administration's 2024 schedule, which sets dates for various types of payments throughout the year, the slight change in the Social Security Administration's calendar shouldn't come as much of a surprise. However, for those who are used to money coming into their account once a month, the adjustment can still cause confusion.

There is a simple explanation for this: the calendar is what matters. But with about 7.5 million people receiving SSI benefits in 2024, even a seemingly minor change can cause a bit of uncertainty.

The same coincidence that results in two inspections in November means that there is no SSI inspection in December. SSI recipients faced the same situation in August when they received two checks and no SSI check in September.

Here's what you should know about SSI benefits in November.

Why do SSI recipients receive two checks in November?

Supplemental Security Income recipients will technically receive two November checks due to a simple scheduling glitch.

Normally, SSI benefits, which are payments for low-income seniors and the disabled, arrive on the first business day of each month, but since December 1 falls on a Sunday this year, December SSI payments will therefore be made on Friday previously paid out on the SSA calendar.

Therefore, the SSI exams will be held in November on the following dates:

  • Friday, November 1st
  • Friday, November 29th

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income, also called SSI, is different from Social Security retirement benefits.

As AARP explains, the SSA distributes SSI benefits but does not pay them. While Social Security benefits are funded largely by income taxes, SSI is funded by the U.S. Treasury and state-level grants.

SSI is intended to benefit older people and people with disabilities who make below a certain income limit. While a variety of factors go into determining eligibility, according to the SSA, adults or children may be eligible for the benefits if they have:

  1. Little or no income.
  2. Little or no resources.
  3. Have a disability, blindness or are 65 years of age or older.

The maximum monthly benefit for an individual in 2024 is $943 and for couples is $1,415 if both parties are eligible.

SSI benefits are different from so-called “disability” or Social Security disability insurance, which is based on employment history. SSDI pays benefits to people who have a disability and who have contributed enough to Social Security through income taxes after working enough years to qualify. SSI, on the other hand, does not require a work history.

November Social Security Payment Schedule

The SSA releases its annual distribution plans well in advance. With the 2025 calendar already published, you can now start planning for next year. It looks like some months in 2025 will follow a similar pattern to this November.

Recipients of typical Social Security retirement benefits will receive them as usual this month, according to the SSA:

  • Wednesday November 13th: Birth dates between the 1st and 10th of the month.
  • Wednesday November 20th: Birth dates between the 11th and 20th of the month.
  • Wednesday November 27th: Birth dates between the 21st and 31st of the month.

Simplified SSI applications are coming this year

Last week, the SSA announced that it will launch a new, streamlined process for Americans to apply for SSI benefits later this year.

According to a press release from the agency, the new online system, called iClaim, will include simpler, plain-language questions designed to speed up the process for both claimants and claims handlers.

However, not all applicants will have immediate access to the new system when it begins rolling out immediately. The SSA said the December phase will generally be available to first-time applicants between the ages of 18 and nearly 65 who have never married and are simultaneously applying for Social Security benefits and SSI.

The second phase to expand to all applicants is planned for 2025.

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