Excited about the potential “extra” payment coming your way as an SSI (Supplementary Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) beneficiary this month? Are you curious how the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) might impact retirement payments? Join us as we explore the essential insights to help you navigate your Social Security benefits in 2024. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and knowledge necessary to maximize your earnings and effectively adjust to any forthcoming changes to your Social Security payments..
2023 COLA Increase
In December 2023, Social Security beneficiaries received a boost in their benefits with a 3.2% increase, continuing into January 2024. This bump, known as the Cost-of-Living Adjustment, aims to keep pace with inflation and ensure beneficiaries’ purchasing power remains stable. With the increase, the average retirement benefit check went up about $60 last December, rising to an average of $1,907 from last year’s average of $1,848. To find out how the 2023 COLA increased your monthly payment, you can easily view your COLA notice online through your Social Security account.
COLA Eligibility
Both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries are eligible for an annual COLA to adjust their benefits for inflationary changes.
Let’s discuss the difference between SSI (Title XVI) and SSDI (Title II) Payments.
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal assistance program designed to aid elderly, visually impaired, and disabled individuals with limited or no income. SSI offers financial support to cover essential expenses such as food, clothing, and housing. Unlike Social Security retirement benefits, which hinge on a person’s work history and earnings, SSI eligibility is solely based on financial need.
Conversely, Social Security Disability Insurance is available to those who are disabled and incapable of working due to their impairment. Qualification for SSDI relies on both the severity of the disability and the individual’s employment record.
Online Access and Opting Out of Mail Notices
- Ensure that you have created a Social Security account to conveniently access your COLA notice and other vital information.
- With this online access, you can take control of your communication and stay informed about any changes or updates to your benefits. Plus, you have the option to opt out of receiving mail notices, reducing paper clutter and environmental impact. This empowerment allows you to manage your Social Security benefits in a way that suits you best.
SSI Payment Schedule
One notable feature of 2024’s Social Security payment schedule is the occurrence of double-payment months. May 2024 marks the beginning of this pattern, with August and November following suit later in the year. During these months, recipients of SSI will receive two checks. The first will be issued on the scheduled date of May 1, with the second one on May 31.
This double-payment phenomenon results from the usual practice of sending out SSI payments on the first day of the month. However, if the first day falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are processed on the preceding business day.
Due to the double payment in May, there will be no payment in June. Similarly, a double payment in August will mean no payment in September, and a double payment in November will result in no payment in December. As such, the back-to-back payments do not mean that beneficiaries will receive extra money — they’re just going to receive their benefits for the following month earlier than usual.
According to the SSA’s payment calendar, the first SSI check was distributed on May 1, with the final check scheduled for May 31.
SSDI Payment Schedule
On the other hand, if you’re an SSDI beneficiary, you will not be receiving two checks in May, August, and November 2024. This is because SSDI payments are determined and scheduled based on your date of birth. The Social Security Administration (SSA) generally issues payments on the 3rd, 8th, 15th, and 22nd of each month. However, your payment date within these options is determined by your birth date.
The SSA is a valuable tool for verifying your SSDI payment date based on your birth date. You can access this information by visiting the “payment schedule” section on the SSA website.
| Day of Birth | Assigned Payment Day |
|---|---|
|
1st – 10th |
Second Wednesday of the month |
|
11th – 20th |
Third Wednesday of the month |
|
21st – 31st |
Fourth Wednesday of the month |
Under What Circumstances Would Your Payment Vary?
There are several reasons why your Social Security benefits could change, including the following:
Changes in income
It is essential to be familiar with how changes in income can impact the payment amount for SSI recipients. Engaging in work efforts might lead to reduced SSI benefits with higher earnings, while a decrease in income, such as job loss, could increase the benefit amount.
Other income alterations can also affect benefit payments. For instance, Social Security may decrease your SSI amount if someone assists with your rent, mortgage, food, or utilities. Receiving in-kind support and maintenance could also reduce your monthly SSI payments by up to $334.33, contingent upon the value of the assistance provided.
For more information about how your income can impact your SSI monthly benefit, consult our blog article on the topic.
Transitioning to full retirement age
As individuals approach retirement age, their SSDI benefits may be adjusted. The Social Security Administration initiates a conversion process, shifting SSDI benefits to retirement benefits. This is because Social Security rules do not allow a person to receive both retirement and disability benefits on one earnings record simultaneously. This transition can lead to alterations in the payment amount received by beneficiaries.
Notifying the SSA of any changes in your living arrangements
Instances that necessitate reporting to the SSA encompass a variety of circumstances. These include the following:
- Changes in name, phone number, mailing and home address, employment status, marital status, citizenship or legal status
- Alterations in household composition (births, deaths, changes in marital status, adjustments in the number of household members, and movements of individuals into or out of the household)
- Admission or discharge from an institution (such as a hospital, prison, halfway house, or nursing home)
- Receipt of an arrest warrant
- Modifications to bank account details or balances
- Fluctuations in the value of owned assets
- Extended absences from the United States lasting one month or more
- School attendance for beneficiaries under the age of 22
Understanding SSI and SSDI can be challenging and confusing. But with the help of legal professionals who specialize in navigating the complexities of SSA rules and process, you can get the benefits you deserve without the hassle. Take the first step toward peace of mind by contacting LaPorte Law Firm today.
FAQs
The Social Security Administration (SSA) occasionally issues multiple Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments within a month; however, these are not considered additional payments. Typically, SSI payments are distributed on the first day of each month. In cases where the first day falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is sent on the preceding business day.
Consequently, the double payment in May will result in no payment in June. According to the SSA’s payment calendar, the first SSI check went out on May 1, 2024 and the final check will go out on May 31.
Social Security benefits usually experience periodic revisions to accommodate shifts in the cost of living, referred to as Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA). These adjustments rely on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) and are announced annually by the SSA. In 2024, Social Security benefits were increased, as officially reported by the SSA in October 2023.
The maximum Social Security retirement benefit varies depending on your retirement age. For instance, if you retire at the full retirement age in 2024, your maximum benefit will be $3,822. Conversely, retiring at the age of 62 in 2024 would yield a maximum benefit of $2,710, while retiring at age 70 in 2024 would result in a maximum benefit of $4,873.
How do I check the status of my Social Security payment?
You can check the status of your Social Security application or appeal online using your personal My Social Security account:
- Go to this link and sign in to your account.
- Scroll down to the Your Benefit Applications section.
- Select View Details under the More Info heading.
- View your application status in the Current Status section.
