December, a month synonymous with giving, brings an unexpected delight for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other Social Security beneficiaries. It’s not a Santa’s sleigh, but a unique occurrence in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) schedule. In the spirit of the season, recipients will receive not one, but two checks this month.
Yeah, that sounds odd, but it’s true: every quarter, the Social Security system breaks its usual rhythm, and December is one of those special months. Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will witness a double dose of financial support, with the first check set to be issued on Friday, December 1. The second check follows precisely four weeks later, landing on Friday, December 29.
Dual Social Security Payments in December: Will You Get a Check in January?
The fascinating twist in the payment schedule results in beneficiaries receiving two payments in March, June, September, and December. Conversely, January, April, July, and October witness no deposits. The surplus December payment can be perceived as a forward-looking gesture, serving as an advance for the subsequent month.
Having said all this, it is necessary to remark that the payment of December 29, 2023 corresponds to the January 2024 check. That’s why you should be careful when managing your budget, so that you can manage to cover all your expenses and reach the month of February.
December 2023 Payment Schedule for Social Security Beneficiaries
Regarding your retirement benefits for December 2023, the payment schedule remains consistent with previous months. Your retirement benefits will be disbursed on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month, depending on your date of birth. Let’s break down the details for the upcoming December payments:
For individuals who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 or are currently receiving both Social Security and SSI benefits, please note that Social Security payments will be made on December 3. The complete payment schedule for 2023 can be found here.
If your birthday falls between the 1st and the 10th, you can expect to receive your payment on the second Wednesday, which falls on December 13. For those with birthdays between the 11th and the 20th, your payment will be processed on the third Wednesday, scheduled for December 20. If your birthday falls between the 21st and the 31st, mark your calendar for the fourth Wednesday, December 27, as that’s when your payment will be issued.
If you’re experiencing a delay in the payment of your Social Security benefits, there are resources available to help you. Reach out to the SSA by phone. You can contact their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for the hearing impaired). Representatives are available to answer your questions and address concerns.
Explore the SSA’s official website (https://www.ssa.gov/) for online services and information. You may be able to find helpful resources and FAQs to address common issues. If you have an online account, log in to “My Social Security” on the SSA website. This platform allows you to check your benefits, update information, and find answers to frequently asked questions.