Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive their first check with their 2023 cost of living increase of 8.7% arriving this week. This check is in addition to the one they received in early December. So why are SSI beneficiaries getting two checks this month? We explain it below.
Not sure how much bonus you get? Look for a notification of your new benefit amount in the Message Center of your My Social Security account. If you didn’t meet the November 15th account creation deadline, look out for a letter in the mail with all the details of your raise.
Everyone else receiving Social Security payments will get their first check in January 2023. Here’s why if you get SSI, you’ll get your first increased payment in December and when to expect it. For more information, see the Social Security Payment Schedule and Disability Insurance Payment Schedule here. It also tells you what Medicare premiums and deductibles will be in 2023.
Why am I getting an increase on my December SSI Check?
The Social Security Administration has a strict schedule that it follows when sending out monthly payments. For those receiving SSI, their payments are almost always sent on the first of each month.
There are two reasons why your payment may not arrive on the first of a month: If the regular payment date falls on a holiday or weekend.
In January 2023, the first of the month falls on a public holiday and a weekend. In this case, the administration sends the checks earlier on the next business day – in this case on a Friday. So instead of receiving your January 2023 check in January, you will receive it in December of this year.
You can check your COLA increase in December.
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When will I receive my first COLA increase payment?
If you receive SSI, you will continue to receive a payment Dec 30 with your new benefit amount. Because your first increased payment is scheduled for January 1st (a holiday and a weekend day), you will receive your first payment for 2023 early.
What if I receive both SSI and Social Security benefits?
If you also receive Social Security benefits with your SSI, you will not receive your SSI boost until December. The increase in your Social Security benefits begins on January 3, which falls on a Tuesday.
For more information, see how to apply for disability insurance. Also, learn how you can pause your Social Security benefits to potentially get a larger payment later.