Social Security Announces December Payment Date Change Because of Christmas

The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes some important changes for Social Security recipients.

Due to the Christmas holiday falling on a Wednesday in December 2024, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced an adjustment to the payment schedule for beneficiaries. This change will affect when retirees, disability recipients, and other beneficiaries receive their December payments.

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming change in Social Security payment dates and how it may impact you.

Why Is the Payment Date Changing?

Social Security payments are typically issued on a set schedule, depending on the recipient’s birthdate. However, when the payment date coincides with a holiday, such as Christmas, the SSA adjusts the distribution to ensure recipients receive their funds in a timely manner.

Since Christmas Day, December 25, falls on a Wednesday in 2024, Social Security has moved the payment date for the last December check to Tuesday, December 24, 2024. This ensures that beneficiaries receive their payments ahead of the holiday, avoiding any delays that might arise due to the holiday closures of banks and other financial institutions.

Who Will Be Affected by the Date Change?

The payment date change will affect all Social Security beneficiaries whose regular payment schedule would normally fall on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. This includes:

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• Retirees receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) recipients.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients.

The specific day of the month on which a recipient receives their payment is determined by their birthdate. If your usual payment day falls on the 25th of the month, your payment will now be issued on December 24th.

How Does the Change Impact Payment Schedules?

The payment schedule remains the same for the rest of the month, but recipients should note the adjustment for those whose payment is typically scheduled for Christmas Day:

• If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of the month, your payment will be issued on the second Wednesday of the month, which is December 11, 2024.
• If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th, your payment will be issued on the third Wednesday, which is December 18, 2024.
• If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st, your payment will be issued on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 (a day earlier than usual).

This early payment ensures that all recipients will have access to their funds before Christmas, helping to avoid any delays that might occur with holiday bank closures.

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What Should You Do If You Don’t Receive Your Payment?

While the date change has been made to ensure timely distribution, there may still be situations where a payment is delayed. If you are expecting your December payment but it doesn’t arrive on time, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Check Your Bank Account: Social Security payments are often directly deposited into your bank account, so make sure to check there first.
2. Verify the Payment Schedule: Double-check the dates to make sure your payment has not been rescheduled. You can visit the official Social Security website or use your My Social Security account to check.
3. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA): If you haven’t received your payment by the expected date, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website to check on the status of your payment.

What Else Should Social Security Beneficiaries Know?

As you prepare for the December holidays, it’s a good idea to review your financial plans and take note of any changes to your payment schedule. While the Christmas-related shift in the payment date may be a temporary adjustment, it’s important to stay informed about any future changes that could affect your benefits.

Additionally, with 2025 COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) increases around the corner, many recipients will see a rise in their monthly benefits starting in January 2025. Be sure to review the upcoming changes to your Social Security payments and how they may impact your budget moving forward.

Conclusion

The Social Security Administration’s adjustment to the payment date in December 2024 is a necessary change to ensure that all beneficiaries receive their funds on time during the busy holiday season. If your payment date falls on December 25th, your Social Security check will be delivered a day earlier, on December 24th.

Stay informed about these schedule changes, check your bank account for deposits, and plan ahead for any holiday expenses. Social Security’s efforts to accommodate the holiday schedule reflect their commitment to ensuring beneficiaries have timely access to their payments, even during festive times.