Social Security update: SSI recipients to get first 2023 payment of $914 on Dec. 30

Jack Birle

December 11, 12:00 PM December 11, 12:00 PM

Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries are only a few weeks away from the second of two payments to be distributed in December because of a scheduling quirk, with the checks being worth a combined total of $1,755.

The first payment was sent out to eligible recipients on Dec. 1, with this second payment set to be delivered to recipients on Dec. 30.

NUMBER OF WORKERS CLAIMING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS RISES TO HIGHEST SINCE FEBRUARY

The Social Security Administration issues monthly SSI checks the business day prior to months that begin on a weekend or holiday to ensure beneficiaries have the check by the first of the month, according to the agency. This scheduling quirk results in recipients receiving two checks in the same calendar month multiple times a year, but recipients still only receive 12 checks for the year.

The January 2023 SSI payment is being delivered on Friday, Dec. 30, because Jan. 1 falls on a Sunday. The January payment is unique because it is always delivered early since New Year's Day is a federal holiday. In 2023, there will be four months with two payments: March, June, September, and December. This is because the first of the month falls on a weekend in April, July, and October.

For individuals, the payment will be $914, while the rate for eligible couples is $1,371. Essential persons, people who live with someone receiving SSI and provide them with necessary care, will receive $458.

The payments will be the first under 2023 rates, which are increased as part of the yearly cost-of-living adjustments to make sure Social Security payments keep pace with inflation.

The Social Security Administration first issued SSI payments to eligible people in January 1974, with payment rates increasing on pace with inflation for cost-of-living adjustments since 1975, per the agency.