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SSI Recipients Are Getting Their First COLA Increase Tomorrow. Here's Why

You're getting another Supplemental Security Income check this month -- but this time, you'll get a cost of living adjustment for 2024.

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Katie is a writer covering all things how-to at CNET, with a focus on Social Security and notable events. When she's not writing, she enjoys playing in golf scrambles, practicing yoga and spending time on the lake.
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Katie Teague
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SSI beneficiaries get their first increased check for 2024 in December.

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You already got your December Supplemental Security Income check on Dec. 1, but you're getting another payment tomorrow with your 2024 cost of living adjustment. The check you receive tomorrow will be a 3.2% increase from what you've been receiving this year. On the flip side, if you receive Social Security, you won't see an increase on those payments until Jan. 3. We'll explain why below.

You should now have access to check your My Social Security account message center for a notice about your new benefit amount. Note that the deadline for creating an account was Nov. 14 so if you missed it, you'll need to keep an eye out for a letter in the mail with all the details about your increase.

Here's why you're getting your first increased payment in December if you receive SSI. Additionally, here's the Social Security payment schedule and Social Security Disability Insurance payment schedule. Also, here's how much Medicare premiums and deductibles will be in 2024.

Why am I getting an SSI COLA increase in December?

The Social Security Administration follows a strict schedule when sending out monthly payments. For those who receive SSI, their payments are almost always sent out on the first of each month. 

There are two reasons why your payment wouldn't arrive on the first of any month: If the regular payment date falls on a holiday or a weekend.

In January 2024, the first of the month falls on a holiday. When this happens, the administration sends the checks earlier on the nearest business day -- in this case, a Friday. Instead of receiving your January 2023 check in January, you'll get it in December of this year.

Stimulus money payments

You can check the amount of your COLA increase in December.

James Martin/CNET

When will I get my first SSI COLA increase payment?

If you receive SSI, you'll get a payment on Dec. 29 with your new benefit amount. Since your first increased payment is scheduled for Jan. 1 (a holiday), you're getting your first 2024 payment early. 

What if I receive both SSI and Social Security benefits?

If you also get Social Security benefits along with your SSI, you'll only get your increase for SSI in December. Your Social Security benefits increase will begin on Jan. 3, which falls on a Wednesday.

For more, here's the maximum amount of Social Security benefits you can receive each month.