The government has set three critical November payment dates for beneficiaries who receive retirement benefits, survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and disability benefits. This is according to its unique calendar that shifts when certain groups are supposed to get their benefits.
Why November Payments Are Different This Year
Most Social Security beneficiaries receive their payments on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on their date of birth. SSI payments, however, follow a different schedule and are typically sent on the first of each month.
However, because November 1 was on a Saturday, SSI recipients received their checks early on October 31. This is a similar situation to what happened in August, where SSI recipients received two payments because the first of September was on a weekend.
SSI Payment Schedule for November
If you receive both SSI and Social Security, here are the dates when you should expect your checks:
- November 3 — Social Security payment
- October 31 — Early SSI payment
This November 3 date also applies if:
- You filed for Social Security before May 1997
- You live outside the United States
- Your state pays your Medicare premiums
The 3 Official November Payment Dates for Social Security
Here are the three official November payment dates when beneficiaries of SSI, retirement benefits, disability, and survivor benefits should expect their payments:
1. November 12 — Second Wednesday
You’ll receive your payment on November 12 if your birthday falls:
Between the 1st and 10th of your birth month
2. November 19 — Third Wednesday
You’ll receive your payment on November 19 if your birthday falls:
Between the 11th and 20th
3. November 26 — Fourth Wednesday
You’ll receive your payment on November 26 if your birthday falls:
- On or after the 21st
Those who receive spousal or survivor benefits may also receive their benefits on these dates. However, the payment date is based on the worker’s birthday, not the spouse or survivor receiving the benefit.
What About the Government Shutdown?
Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, beneficiaries of Social Security and SSI benefits will still receive their checks. This is because these benefits are classified as mandatory spending and therefore are not affected by other federal operations.
However, since the SSA is a government agency, some of its services will be limited. Offices will remain open but will only offer essential services such as the replacement of Medicare cards, issuing proof-of-income letters, processing applications, and updating earning records.
What If Your Payment Doesn’t Arrive?
If you do not receive your payment on the scheduled date, you should first contact your bank and find out if there are any delays involving posting or processing. You can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.
Paper Checks Are Gone
Beneficiaries should also be aware of a major change that may affect how they receive their benefits. Following a new executive order signed by President Trump, the federal government put a stop on paper checks. Beneficiaries who relied on paper checks were therefore required to switch to either direct deposit or Direct Express debit card. The deadline was September 30.
Conclusion
The payment schedule includes early deposits while other months might not have deposits at all. Additionally, there are new changes such as the new mandatory direct-deposit rule that puts an end to paper checks.
Due to early deposits, it is important for beneficiaries to plan their monthly budgets carefully. For instance, since SSI beneficiaries receive their November checks on October 31, they should realize that the checks are intended to run till the end of November.