The Supplemental Security Income is for those Americans who live on a low income. SSI payments are a relief for millions of beneficiaries. Despite the fact that you are receiving retirement or disability benefits, you can still collect them at the same time.
This may not be a lot of money, because average payments are about $676.60 for all recipients as of October 2023. Those who are on SSI and are under 18 can get about $790.41 on average.
Those who are 65 years old or older receive $554.10 on average. SSI beneficiaries between the ages of 18-64 can receive payments of about $720.97. As you can see, amounts are very different depending on the group you belong to. Other personal situations may allow you to collect more money though.
When can SSI recipients get up to $1,371?
The last time that SSI can have $1,371 as the maximum amount will be December 1. This will be the next Supplemental Security Income payment, but it will not be the last one in December. Remember that the Social Security Administration has announced another payment for these beneficiaries.
The Social Security Administration always sends payments on the first day of the month for those on Supplemental Security Income. Unless the payday is a holiday or on the weekend, you will receive your check on that day. That is the reason why there will be no payday on January 1.
As New Year is a holiday, beneficiaries will receive their monthly payment from the Supplemental Security Income in advance. By doing so, Social Security will avoid any delays. Undoubtedly, those who are on a very tight budget will be glad to receive their money on December 29.
Make sure you save that money for the January expenses. As this is not a bonus or extra payment, you should spend it wisely. The main difference between the December 1 and December 29 payments is the fact that the last one will include the 3.2% COLA increase.
Maximum amounts for the SSI payments in December
If you are a single person on Supplemental Security Income, you can receive up to $914 in 2023. Those on SSI who qualify for the largest payment in 2024 can get up to $943. Therefore, beneficiaries can receive up to 29 dollars more per month. This will depend on your income and other earnings.
Not everyone qualifies for the largest payment though. An essential person can collect up to $458 in 2023. Married couples who are both receiving Supplemental Security Income can collect up to $1,371. Thanks to the 2024 COLA increase, recipients will get 3.2% more.
The SSI checks in December will include the COLA increase for the year 2024. Then, the largest check for couples will be $1,415. Essential persons will get a check worth up to $472. A single individual will receive up to $943 on the December 29 payment.
If you feel that you even collecting SSI you cannot make ends meet, it is time to apply for SNAP benefits. This will allow you to save money on healthy food. There are many Americans who are eligible for SSI and have not applied, inform someone you know about these payments.