Millions of retired Americans will see a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their Social Security payments. Additionally, due to a quirk in the calendar, some recipients may receive an extra Social Security check in November.
Typically, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are issued on the first of each month. However, in November, recipients will receive a second check at the end of the month. This scheduling shift occurs because, when the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is sent on the last weekday of the previous month.
Since December 1 falls on a Sunday, SSI payments for December will be distributed on November 29, according to the Social Security Administration’s calendar.
This pattern will continue through March, as the first day of each month lands on a weekend or holiday. For example:
- January’s payment will be issued on December 31.
- February’s payment will be issued on January 31.
- March’s payment will be issued on February 28.
While it may feel like extra checks are arriving, recipients are simply receiving their payments slightly earlier due to these scheduling adjustments.