As 2024 comes to a close, Social Security beneficiaries are looking ahead to the final payment dates for the year. Whether you receive Social Security retirement benefits, disability benefits (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it’s important to be aware of the specific payment schedule for December and how to prepare for any adjustments in your payments.
In this article, we will cover the 2024 end-of-year Social Security payment dates, explain what you need to know about the December payments, and help ensure you receive your benefits on time.
Social Security Payment Schedule for December 2024
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Social Security payments are distributed on a specific schedule each month, depending on your birth date or the type of benefits you receive. The final payments of 2024 are no different, but with the end of the year quickly approaching, it’s important to check the exact dates to avoid any confusion.
Here’s a quick look at the Social Security payment schedule for December 2024:
- Social Security Retirement and SSDI Payments
For Social Security retirement and SSDI recipients, payments are issued based on your birth date. These payments typically fall on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday of each month. For the final payment of 2024, the schedule is as follows:- Wednesday, December 11, 2024: For individuals born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
- Wednesday, December 18, 2024: For individuals born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- Wednesday, December 25, 2024: For individuals born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
If your payment date falls on a holiday, such as Christmas Day (December 25), the payment will be issued one business day earlier, which in this case is December 24.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments
SSI recipients are typically paid on the 1st of every month. However, since January 1, 2025, falls on a Wednesday, the January SSI payment will be made early:- Friday, December 29, 2024: SSI recipients will receive their January 2025 payment a few days early to ensure timely receipt before the new year.
This early payment applies to individuals who are already enrolled in SSI and have their payments directly deposited into their bank accounts.
Important Information About 2024 Year-End Payments
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
If you’ve been following Social Security news, you know that Social Security benefits are subject to a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) each year to help beneficiaries keep pace with inflation. The COLA for 2024 is 3.2%, which means that beneficiaries will see an increase in their monthly payments. This adjustment will be reflected in the December 2024 payment and will continue throughout 2025.
Make sure to review your statement from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or check your my Social Security online account to verify the updated payment amount.
How Payments Are Issued
Social Security payments are made by direct deposit, Direct Express cards, or paper checks. If you’re enrolled in direct deposit, payments will be transferred to your bank account on your scheduled date. Paper checks are typically mailed a few days before the payment date, so allow extra time for mail delivery if you’re expecting a check.
Holiday-Related Adjustments
As mentioned, if your payment date falls on a holiday, it will be issued earlier than the usual date. For example, Christmas Day (December 25) is a federal holiday, so payments scheduled for that date will be issued on December 24, 2024.
Be mindful of these holiday-related adjustments to ensure you receive your payment on time.
What to Do If You Miss a Payment
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While rare, there may be instances where a Social Security payment is delayed or missed. Here’s what you can do if you don’t receive your payment on time:
- Check Your Bank Account or Card:
If you have direct deposit, check your account or Direct Express card to confirm if the payment has been deposited. - Review Your Payment Schedule:
Double-check the payment schedule to make sure you’re expecting a payment on the date you believe. Remember, if you receive SSI, your January 2025 payment will be sent early in December. - Contact the SSA:
If there’s no record of a payment or if your payment is delayed for any reason, contact the Social Security Administration for assistance. You can reach the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website for further guidance. - Sign Up for Direct Deposit:
If you haven’t already, consider signing up for direct deposit to avoid delays in receiving your benefits. Direct deposit ensures your payment arrives directly into your bank account or Direct Express card on your scheduled date.
Final Thoughts for 2024
The final Social Security payments for 2024 are coming up quickly, and it’s crucial to stay informed about your payment schedule. With the 3.2% COLA increase helping to boost payments in the new year, December’s payments will provide vital financial support for many beneficiaries.
Be sure to check your payment dates, and if you haven’t done so already, consider enrolling in direct deposit to streamline your payments in the future. As always, stay updated by regularly checking your Social Security account or SSI benefits to ensure you’re receiving the correct amount.
Stay prepared, and enjoy the extra financial support as we wrap up the year and move into 2025!