December 11 or December 18

According to Vibes.okdiario Retirees in the United States may still be waiting for their December Social Security check or direct deposit. Payment dates depend on your birth date and the type of benefits you receive. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect this month.

Payment Schedule for December

• December 11: Retirees born between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive their payment if they began receiving benefits after April 30, 1997. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients are not eligible for payments on this date.
• December 18: Retirees born between the 11th and 20th of the month will receive their payment. This applies to individuals who began benefits after April 30, 1997, and are not on SSI.
• December 24: Retirees born between the 21st and 31st of the month will receive their payment early, as December 25 is a federal holiday.

Average Benefits and Payment Amounts

The average Social Security retirement benefit for December is $1,927. However, payment amounts vary based on your earnings history:

• High Earners: Those who earned the taxable maximum for 35 years could receive the largest payment of up to $4,873 in 2024.
• Low to Average Earners: Payments are smaller and depend on lifetime earnings and filing age.

Eligibility and Filing Requirements

To qualify for Social Security benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Age Requirement:
   • You must be at least 62 years old to claim retirement benefits. Early filing results in reduced payments.
2. Work Credits:
   • You need at least 40 work credits, typically earned by working 10 years in jobs covered by Social Security.
3. Filing Process:
   • You must apply for benefits and wait for approval.

Also Read – 2025 Social Security COLA: SSDI Payments and When to Expect the Increase

Boosting Your Retirement Benefits

Delaying retirement can significantly increase your monthly payments:

• Delayed Filing: Waiting until age 70 to claim benefits boosts payments by about 24% compared to filing at full retirement age.
• Maximum Benefits: For individuals earning the taxable maximum for 35 years, monthly payments could rise to $5,108 in 2025, up from $4,873 in 2024.

Key Reminders

• If you missed your December 3 payment and don’t qualify for the December 11 deposit, your next opportunity will be December 18.
• To plan for retirement benefits in December 2024 or January 2025, you can file up to four months before the desired start date.

By understanding the payment schedule and eligibility requirements, retirees can better prepare for their Social Security benefits and maximize their monthly income.