Social Security: You Could Get a Second Check in December — Here’s Why
Written by
Vance Cariaga
Edited by
Chris Cluff
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
December marks the final month that Social Security recipients will get checks based on this year’s historically high cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The 2023 COLA of 8.7% was the biggest in more than 40 years and raised the average Social Security retirement check by $146 a month. Beginning in January 2024, checks will reflect a COLA of 3.2%, which will boost the average retirement check by about $57 a month.
The vast majority of Social Security recipients will receive the usual one payment in December 2023 on the usual payment dates. But some recipients — those who qualify for Supplement Security Income (SSI) benefits — will get two checks. The first check was scheduled to paid on Friday, Dec. 1, and the second will be issued four weeks later on Friday, Dec. 29.
Because of a quirk in the payment schedule, SSI beneficiaries get two payments in March, June, September and December, while no payments are deposited in January, April, July and October. One check is issued during the remaining four months. The extra payment in December can be considered an advance for the next month.
If you don’t receive your payment on the expected date, the SSA advises allowing three additional mailing days before contacting the agency. If you receive a direct deposit, you can expect to receive your payment on the scheduled date, but availability of the funds might depend on your bank.
SSI benefits are provided to low-income individuals with limited resources who are blind or age 65 or older, or who have a qualifying disability. A qualifying disability is one that keeps you from working and is expected to last one year or result in death.
In 2023, the federal maximum SSI benefit rate is $914 for an individual and $1,371 for a couple. Those amounts will rise to $943 and $1,415, respectively, in 2024.
As for retirement benefits: The schedule in December 2023 follows the same pattern as every other month. Retirement benefits are paid on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of every month as determined by your date of birth. Here’s a look at the December payment schedule:
- If your birthday falls on the 1st through the 10th, you’ll receive your payment on the second Wednesday of the month, which is Dec. 13.
- If your birthday falls on the 11th through the 20th, you’ll be paid on the third Wednesday (Dec. 20).
- Those with birthdays on the 21st through 31st will be paid on the fourth Wednesday (Dec. 27).
- If you received Social Security before May 1997 or receive both Social Security and SSI benefits, then Social Security is paid on Dec. 3 You can see the full 2023 payment schedule here.
More From GOBankingRates
