The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends out nearly 73 million payments each month to its program beneficiaries, including retired workers, survivors, Social Security Disability Insurance recipients, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.
The SSA follows a specific distribution schedule based on the recipients’ date of birth and the type of benefits they are receiving. For retirees, payments are generally issued on Wednesdays:
- Those born between the 1st and 10th of the month receive their money on the second Wednesday.
- Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th receive their payments on the third Wednesday of the month.
- Those born between the 21st and 31st receive their checks on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
However, workers who began receiving their retirement payments before May 1997 are not subject to this schedule. They receive their benefits on the third day of each month, regardless of their birthdate.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, payments are typically made on the 1st of each month. If an individual receives both SSI and Social Security benefits, the SSI payment comes first on the 1st, and then the regular Social Security payment follows according to the birth-date schedule.
Who Will Receive $1,900 from Social Security on Dec. 24?
Due to the holiday season, the SSA will adjust its usual payment schedule. Since Christmas Day (Wednesday next week) is a federal holiday, the payment date for Social Security will be moved up by one day. Beneficiaries who will receive an average payment of $1,900 on Tuesday, Dec. 24, are those whose date of birth falls between the 21st and 31st of the month.
This means that the regular distribution schedule is temporarily adjusted to ensure that all beneficiaries can receive their payments before the holiday. The final Social Security check of the year for SSI beneficiaries will be sent out on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
This payment is for January 2025 and will also be brought forward because New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) is a federal holiday. The amount will already reflect the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), which increases Social Security payments by 2.5% starting in 2025.
Understanding COLA and Payment Amounts
The COLA is a standard adjustment to Social Security benefits that keeps up with inflation and ensures that beneficiaries maintain their purchasing power over time. In 2024, the average monthly payment for a single retiree is $1,907, while couples filing jointly receive an average of $3,303 per month. For SSI recipients, the average is $943 per month for individuals and $1,415 for couples.
To find out how much you will receive with the upcoming COLA increase in January 2025, simply add 2.5% to your current benefit amount. The adjustment will be applied automatically to all eligible Social Security payments.
If you’re due a Social Security payment in December 2024, and your birthdate is between the 21st and 31st, you’ll receive your $1,900 payment on Tuesday, Dec. 24, instead of the usual Wednesday. Make sure to check your schedule to avoid any confusion about your payment dates around the holiday season.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.