Social Security

What You Need to Know About Social Security Second Check in December

What You Need to Know About Social Security Second Check in December. December brings the conclusion of a year marked by the highest Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients in over four decades. The 2023 COLA of 8.7% increased the average Social Security retirement check by $146 per month.

However, starting January 2024, a COLA of 3.2% will come into effect, resulting in an average retirement check boost of approximately $57 per month.

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients Receive Double Payments in December

While the majority of Social Security recipients will receive their usual payment in December, those eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will enjoy an additional check.

Scheduled for disbursement on December 1 and December 29, SSI beneficiaries receive two payments in December due to a peculiar payment schedule quirk. This extra payment is essentially an advance for the subsequent month.

Understanding the SSI Payment Schedule and Eligibility Criteria

SSI benefits are designed for low-income individuals with limited resources who are either blind, aged 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability expected to last at least one year or result in death. In 2023, the federal maximum SSI benefit rate stands at $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple.

These amounts are set to increase to $943 and $1,415, respectively, in 2024.

December 2023 Retirement Benefits Payment Schedule

For Social Security retirement benefits, the payment schedule in December follows the established pattern. Depending on your date of birth, payments are made on the second, third, or fourth Wednesdays of the month. Here’s the breakdown:

If your birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th, expect payment on the second Wednesday (Dec. 13).
Birthdays from the 11th through the 20th will receive payment on the third Wednesday (Dec. 20).
Those with birthdays on the 21st through the 31st will be paid on the fourth Wednesday (Dec. 27).
Social Security recipients who started receiving benefits before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI benefits will be paid on December 3. The full 2023 payment schedule can be found [here](insert link).

If your payment is delayed, the Social Security Administration recommends allowing three additional mailing days before contacting the agency. For those with direct deposit, the scheduled date remains the same, but fund availability might vary based on individual banks.

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Conclusion

As December unfolds, Social Security recipients navigate a unique payment landscape. While most will receive their standard December payments, Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries enjoy an additional check. These intricacies highlight the importance of understanding the intricacies within the Social Security payment system.