The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will increase Social Security payments by 2.5% in January 2025 for millions of Americans. This increase is intended to assist beneficiaries in maintaining their purchasing power in the face of rising inflation.
If you’re wondering when you’ll get this extra money, it’s important to understand the payment schedule so you can better plan your budget.
The SSI program follows a different schedule. Payments are typically distributed on the first of each month, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
In such cases, the payment is advanced to the previous business day. SSI beneficiaries will receive their January 2025 payments on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, because January 1 is a federal holiday.
How are SSI payment dates determined?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) distributes payments according to the beneficiary’s birth date. This means that the Wednesday you’ll receive your money is determined by your birth date:
- Born between the 1st and 10th of the month: Payment on the second Wednesday.
- Born between the 11th and 20th: Payment on the third Wednesday.
- Born between the 21st and 31st: Payment on the fourth Wednesday.
For example, if you were born on January 7, you will receive your payment on Wednesday, January 8. If your birthday is January 15, the payment will be made effective on Wednesday, January 15.
Payment dates for January 2025
Here is the specific schedule for January 2025:
- Born between the 1st and 10th: Wednesday, January 8.
- Born between the 11th and 20th: Wednesday, January 15.
- Born between the 21st and 31st: Wednesday, January 22.
Other special cases
Some beneficiaries receive their payments on different dates, such as:
- People who started receiving benefits before May 1997.
- Beneficiaries who qualify for both SSI and Social Security.
- Those whose Medicare premiums are paid by their state.
- People living outside the United States.
For these situations, payments are made on the third day of the month, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday. In January 2025, these beneficiaries will receive their payment on Friday, January 3.
What to do if you don’t receive your payment on time?
If your payment doesn’t arrive on the scheduled date, the SSA recommends waiting three business days before taking action. During this time, you can:
- Check with your bank: Sometimes delays occur during bank processing.
- Review your information: Log in to the SSA website to confirm that your bank and personal details are up to date.
If, after three business days, you still haven’t received your payment, contact the SSA through their toll-free hotline or visit a local office for assistance.
Knowing the Social Security and SSI payment schedule is key to managing your finances with confidence. Thanks to the annual cost-of-living adjustment, beneficiaries can expect higher payments in 2025, offering relief against the rising cost of living.
Keep your information up to date and review the scheduled dates to ensure you receive your benefits without any issues. Proper planning will allow you to make the most of your income during retirement.
