December has already begun, and those who receive Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may have realized that they did not get a check at the start of the month.
Most recipients are accustomed to scheduling adjustments because these payments are often disbursed on the first of each month. After all, the first of the month may come on a weekend or national holiday, which is when the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not distribute benefits.
Instead, the day before, when banks are open and the US Postal Service is operating, the SSA sends the check.
This ensures that the checks arrive at their destination on schedule and that the recipients won’t experience any difficulties making their bill payments on time, which may occur if the checks are sent out after the deadline. Some needed the money to pay for housing or to feed their families.
SSI beneficiaries received their checks on November 29, also known as Black Friday, which is not a holiday as many people believe. This may have been difficult for those who paid attention, considering how hectic Thanksgiving weekend can be. This is because the distribution date was moved to November due to the fact that December 1st fell on a Sunday.
Social Security SSI payments
As its name implies, SSI is designed to provide additional income to older adults who are unable to work as well as those who are blind or disabled.
It provides them with enough money to stay afloat and is intended to safeguard those who are most vulnerable. One feature that sets SSI apart from other SSA benefits is its ability to be combined with other benefits.
The maximum amount that an individual can receive from SSI is $1,415 for a couple and $943 for an individual. The cost of living adjustment, which will be applied to all benefits in January, will raise that amount to $967 for an individual and $1,450 for a couple next year.
The majority of people will not receive that much money, even if it is the maximum amount that may be donated. Making too much money is the most frequent reason why SSI claimants’ payments are reduced, however there are many other causes as well.
Benefit recipients are not allowed to earn more than $1,971 per month. This cap is increased, though, if a parent is applying on behalf of a kid with a disability. Additionally, the payments are reduced according to your income and other sources.
For every $2 you earn from work, whether it is a job, self-employment, or anything else that generates income, your SSI payout decreases by $1. Additionally, for every $1 you receive from sources other than your job, such as pensions, unemployment insurance, or disability payments, your payment decreases by $1.
Another common way that consumers lose benefits is by exceeding the program’s resource limit. Your highest amount of money shouldn’t be:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
- If you re a parent applying for a child, these numbers increase by $2,000.
However, the SSA may also lower your benefit due to your living situation, your spouse’s income, and whether you qualify for further state assistance. Your personal income and resources are not the only factors that can do so.
Next SSI payments
There will still be a December SSI payment, but it will be for January even though there won’t be a December payment in December. Since January 1st is New Year’s Day, it is a national holiday. As a result, banks will not be open and no mail will be delivered. Therefore, the check will be sent to arrive on Tuesday, December 31.
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.