Some Social Security recipients might notice an extra payment in their bank account this November, but don’t worry—it’s not a mistake. This unexpected bonus is thanks to a quirky twist in the calendar that happens every so often.
Here’s the deal: people who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are getting three checks this month instead of the usual two. More than 7.4 million Americans rely on SSI, which provides extra financial help to those with disabilities or limited resources.
So why the extra check? The reason is tied to how the dates fall at the end of the year. Typically, SSI checks go out on the first day of the month. But when that date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are sent early. That’s what’s happening now. December’s SSI payment will be sent out on Friday, November 29. Combine that with November’s two other payments, and voila—three checks in one month!
This kind of calendar shuffle will continue into 2025, affecting payments in January, February, May, and August. Here’s what you need to know:
As 2024 ends, SSI recipients will get their January payment a day early, on Tuesday, December 31. The same pattern repeats in February, with March’s payment landing on February 28. However, that means no SSI checks will arrive during March itself.
The pattern crops up again in May and August. In May, recipients will get their June payment on Friday, May 30, leading to no payment during June. The same thing happens in August—two checks for that month but none in September.
For those unfamiliar, SSI is a program designed to help people with limited income. It’s specifically for folks who are 65 or older, blind, or living with a disability. It can also support families with children who have qualifying disabilities. To apply, you can visit your local Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213, or start online.
Want to know when your checks are coming? Here’s the schedule for the rest of this year and 2025:
- Nov. 29, 2024 (December 2024 check)
- Dec. 31, 2024 (January 2025 check)
- Jan. 31, 2025 (February 2025 check)
- Feb. 28, 2025 (March 2025 check)
- Apr. 1, 2025 (April 2025 check)
- May 1, 2025 (May 2025 check)
- May 30, 2025 (June 2025 check)
- Jul. 1, 2025 (July 2025 check)
- Aug. 1, 2025 (August 2025 check)
- Aug. 30, 2025 (September 2025 check)
- Oct. 1, 2025 (October 2025 check)
- Oct. 31, 2025 (November 2025 check)
- Dec. 1, 2025 (December 2025 check)
- Dec. 31, 2025 (January 2026 check)
These date quirks might feel a little confusing, but it’s all part of the system ensuring payments arrive on time, even when holidays or weekends get in the way. So, while the calendar may be playing tricks, your benefits are safe and sound!
