If you’re a U.S. retiree or SSI beneficiary, the end of the year brings good news. Between November and December, you may receive up to five payments, thanks to a scheduled advance payment and the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. This additional support comes just in time for the holiday season and helps offset extra end-of-year expenses. Here’s what you can expect from the upcoming payments.
Payment Schedule
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has planned a series of payments for November, with SSI beneficiaries and various Social Security recipient groups seeing deposits at different times. Here are the main dates:
- November 1: This date will include two payments:
- SSI Payment: Monthly payment for SSI beneficiaries.
- Group 2 Retiree Payment: For Social Security retirees who began receiving benefits after May 1997 and have birthdays between the 1st and 10th.
- November 20: Payment for Group 3 retirees, those born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
- November 27: Payment for Group 4 retirees, with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st.
- November 29: An additional SSI payment, technically the December payment, advanced to avoid delays since December 1 falls on a weekend.
This November payment structure ensures beneficiaries can access funds smoothly, even with the holiday timing.
December Schedule
In December, Social Security and SSI payments will follow the usual pattern. Here’s a breakdown of the dates, including the final SSI payment that reflects the 2025 COLA adjustment:
- December 11: Payment for Group 2 retirees, whose birthdays fall between the 1st and 10th.
- December 18: Payment for Group 3 beneficiaries, born between the 11th and 20th.
- December 25: Payment for Group 4 retirees, with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st.
- December 31: An extra SSI payment that includes the 2025 COLA adjustment, ensuring beneficiaries can access enhanced funds for the new year.
This payment on December 31 is significant as it introduces the 2025 COLA, offering beneficiaries an income boost as the year wraps up.
| Month | Payment Dates | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| November | Nov 1, 20, 27, 29 | SSI, Social Security by birth group |
| December | Dec 11, 18, 25, 31 | Social Security, final COLA payment for SSI |
COLA Adjustment
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) helps Social Security and SSI benefits keep pace with inflation. For 2025, the COLA is set at 2.5%, which slightly boosts monthly payments, helping beneficiaries manage rising expenses.
The first check with this increase will be the SSI payment on December 31, with Social Security recipients seeing their COLA increase in January. The COLA calculation, based on the Consumer Price Index, helps offset inflation so beneficiaries’ buying power remains steady.
Payments
This end-of-year payment schedule provides significant financial support to SSI and Social Security beneficiaries, helping them manage any additional costs during the holidays. Receiving up to five payments in November and December can provide an important financial cushion, allowing for greater financial stability as the new year approaches. By advancing the December SSI payment and incorporating the COLA increase at the end of the year, the SSA enables beneficiaries to handle their expenses with confidence and peace of mind.
The upcoming payments highlight Social Security’s commitment to ensuring beneficiaries have uninterrupted access to funds, even during busy holiday seasons, allowing them to budget effectively into the new year.
FAQs
How many payments are there in November?
Up to five payments for various groups.
When does the 2025 COLA take effect?
On December 31, reflected in the final SSI payment.
Why is there an extra SSI payment in November?
To avoid delays from December 1 falling on a weekend.
What is the 2025 COLA increase?
The COLA increase is set at 2.5% for 2025.
Who qualifies for the COLA adjustment?
All Social Security and SSI beneficiaries.
