Who is Eligible on Black Friday?

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment scheduled for November 29, 2024, brings a much-needed financial boost for many recipients, aligning with the busy shopping season of Black Friday. This early payment is linked to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) payment schedule, which follows specific eligibility criteria and payment timing nuances that all SSI beneficiaries should be aware of.

Eligibility for SSI

SSI is a federal program designed to help individuals with limited income and resources. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Income and Resources: Applicants must have low income and limited assets.
• Additional Requirements: Beneficiaries must be at least 65 years old, blind, or have a qualifying disability.

If you have never applied or been approved for SSI, you are not eligible for this payment.

Payment on Black Friday

Though the timing of this payment coincides with Black Friday, the SSA issues payments based on business days. Here’s how the payment schedule works:

• November Payment: The regular November SSI payment was already issued on November 1, 2024.
• December Payment: Since December 1 falls on a Sunday (a non-business day), the SSA will issue the December SSI payment on November 29, 2024.

This early payment ensures that beneficiaries receive their funds without delay, though it may feel like an extra payment within the same month.

Also Read – How to Prepare for December SNAP Payments: Maximum Benefit of $1,756

Final Payment of 2024

The November 29 payment is technically for December and not the last payment of the year. The December 31, 2024 payment will be the first SSI payment of 2025 and will include the 2.5% COLA increase, which will raise the average SSI payment to $697, with some individuals receiving up to $967.

Budgeting for the Holidays

To make the most of these payments:

• Treat the November 29 payment as your December income.
• Keep in mind that the December 31 payment reflects your January 2025 income and includes the COLA increase.

Planning ahead will help ensure you can manage your expenses, especially with the holiday season approaching.

Also Read – 2025 COLA Announced: Say Goodbye to 2024’s Boost and Prepare for New Changes

FAQs

• Why is the SSI payment on November 29?
  • December 1 falls on a Sunday, so the SSA moved the payment to Friday, November 29.
• Does the Black Friday payment include COLA?
  • No, the COLA increase starts with the December 31 payment.
• Who qualifies for SSI payments?
  • Low-income individuals aged 65+, blind, or disabled.
• When is the last SSI payment of 2024?
  • The December 31, 2024 payment will be the final SSI payment for 2024 and includes a COLA increase.
• How much will the 2025 COLA increase SSI payments?
  • The average payment will rise to $697, and some individuals may receive up to $967.

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