5 Crucial December Dates to Know – Social Security Payments, Black Friday, and Christmas

As the holiday season kicks into full gear, millions of Americans are awaiting the last round of Social Security payments for 2024. For many, these funds are more than just another deposit—they’re a lifeline that helps cover holiday expenses, from festive meals to last-minute gift shopping.

This year’s payments are particularly timely as rising costs in areas like heating and food have stretched budgets thin. Let’s cut into the significance of these payments, key payment dates, and the upcoming COLA increase for 2025.

Importance

Social Security payments play a critical role during the holiday season. Nearly 72.5 million Americans depend on these benefits, including seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income families. December brings unique financial pressures—travel, gift-giving, and hosting family can all add up. For those who rely on Social Security as a primary source of income, these payments ensure essential needs like housing, food, and healthcare are met.

The payments offer stability for many vulnerable individuals, providing peace of mind during a season that can otherwise feel overwhelming. Whether it’s covering an unexpected expense or simply helping to enjoy the holiday spirit, Social Security ensures millions of Americans have the resources they need during this expensive time of year.

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Payment Dates

Here’s a breakdown of the final Social Security payment schedule for 2024:

Date	Payment Type
December 1	Supplementary Security Income (SSI) and Social Security for those who began claiming before July 1997
December 3	SSI and Social Security for beneficiaries receiving both types of payments
December 13	Social Security for beneficiaries with birthdays from the 1st to the 10th of the month
December 20	Social Security for beneficiaries with birthdays from the 11th to the 20th of the month
December 27	Social Security for beneficiaries with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st of the month
December 29	Bonus payment: January 2025 SSI and Social Security for pre-July 1997 claimants (due to the holiday)

These timely payments will allow recipients to handle last-minute expenses and plan for early January’s financial needs, providing a cushion during a financially demanding season.

COLA Increase

In 2025, Social Security benefits will see a modest 2.5% increase due to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment reflects falling inflation and signals the economy’s slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Though smaller than 2023’s 8.7% COLA, it still represents a step toward maintaining purchasing power for Social Security recipients.

Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, emphasized the importance of the COLA, stating, “This adjustment ensures beneficiaries can keep up with expenses as inflation cools.” While the COLA is lower this year, it demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting recipients’ financial stability.

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Looking Ahead

For those relying on Social Security, the final payments of 2024 will bring both relief and anticipation. While the COLA increase is smaller than in previous years, it still underscores efforts to support those most impacted by rising costs.

As the holiday season unfolds, these timely payments help millions of Americans navigate expenses and start the new year on a more stable footing.

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