
Why You’re Getting Two SSI Payments in December 2023
If you are a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) then expect to get two payments instead of your normal one payment during December. Timing is everything for those in need of Social Security and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
Over 67 million Americans depend on the arrival of their monthly payment from Social Security to keep finances in order. Budgeting properly can be easy to pay your bills and save for future needs, because monthly retirement or disability benefits are paid at the same time each month.
Typically, the Social Security Administration (SSA) disburses SSI checks on the first of each month. However, there are a couple of exceptions to the payment schedule:
- If the first of the month is on a holiday.
- If the first of the month is on a weekend.
So as usual, your December income will hit on the day of the month you regularly collect your SSI compensation. Your payment depends on your birth date, among other factors. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are also paid out on the first of each month.
Dec. 1: In general, you’ll be paid on Dec. 1 if:
- You live outside the U.S.
- You receive both SSI and Social Security benefits.
- Your state pays your Medicare premiums.
- You filed for Social Security benefits before 1997.
Dec. 13: If your birthday falls on any day from the first to the 10th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the second Wednesday in December.
Dec. 20: If your birthday falls on any day from the 11th to the 20th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the third Wednesday in December.
Dec. 27: If your birthday falls after the 20th of your birth month, you’ll get your Social Security payment on the fourth Wednesday in December.
Second SSI Payment in December
If you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’ll receive your January 2024 payment in December. This is because January 1, 2024, is a holiday – New Year’s Day – so the Social Security Administration makes the payment a couple of days early. Therefore, this means two SSI payments in December: one on Dec. 1 and one on Dec. 29.
However, two payments in December means you will not receive a payment in January 2024.
Will You Receive Other Social Security Benefits Early?
Unfortunately, no. As outlined above, these other Social Security benefits will be paid out on the normally scheduled Wednesday of the month.
What if your Social Security Payment Doesn’t Arrive On Time?
Federal law states that Social Security benefits, along with any other federal benefits, must be paid electronically through direct deposit to your bank account or onto a Direct Express Debit Mastercard — with only a few rare exceptions.
While an electronic payment should essentially eliminate the risk of lost or stolen funds, there is always the potential for delays and other issues. That’s why it’s important to know what to do if by chance your Social Security payment doesn’t turn up when you expect it.
- Reach out to your bank or financial institution first. The issue may be nothing more than a bank delay in posting payments to your account.
- If there hasn’t been a posting delay and your funds are genuinely missing, lost or stolen, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office. The Social Security Administration will review your case and replace the missing payment.
- If you’re living in the United States and are one of the rare individuals still receiving paper checks, wait until three business days after your check is usually mailed before taking action. If your check still hasn’t arrived at that point, contact the Social Security Administration so your case can be reviewed — and if necessary, a replacement payment can be issued.
Contact Lowery Law Group at info@lowerylegal.com or call (843) 991-0733. There is no fee for a free consultation regarding your claim. Lowery Law Group is experienced in handling cases in South Carolina as well as Georgia.