Why Some Months Have an ‘Extra’ Social Security Payment

Because of holidays and other factors, the first few SSI payments of 2025 will be off their typical schedule.

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Updated Nov 26, 2025 · 1 min read

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A few times a year, recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receive two payments in a month. But those double deposits aren’t extra money. They’re early payments for the following month.

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People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive two payments in December 2025. The second payment, due on Dec. 31, is for January 2026.

Here’s what you need to know about that second payment.

» MORE: Social Security payment schedule: When do I get my next payment?

Why you’re getting two SSI payments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) usually issues SSI payments on the first day of each month. But if that date is on a weekend or holiday, the agency pays you ahead of schedule — on the last business day of the preceding month .

This schedule ensures those dependent on SSI have the money they need by the first day of the month.

The second SSI payment is not an extra payment. It’s the next month’s payment hitting your account a few days early.

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It’s likely you’ll also receive an SSI payment early when the first of the month is a federal holiday. The payment will be made on the last business day of the previous month.

» MORE: SSI vs. SSDI: Similarities and differences

When you’ll get paid

Here are the 2025 SSI schedule anomalies.

The SSI payment for March 2025 was issued on Feb. 28.
The SSI payment for June 2025 was issued on May 30.
The SSI payment for September 2025 was issued on Aug. 29.
The SSI payment for November 2025 was issued on Oct. 31.
The SSI payment for January 2026 will be issued on Dec. 31

SSA.gov. Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments 202. Accessed Nov 26, 2025.
View all sources

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» MORE: Phone numbers for the Social Security Administration

How the second SSI payment will be paid

SSI payments are issued one of two ways. For beneficiaries with bank accounts, the payments come as direct deposits. For those without bank accounts or those who prefer a more tangible method, payments are added to beneficiaries’ accounts with Direct Express cards. The second payment, if there is one, will be paid with whichever method you’ve signed up for .

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call the SSA if I receive a second SSI payment in a month?

If it’s a planned payment because the first of the next month falls on a weekend or federal holiday, you don’t need to contact anyone. You can check out the payment schedule on the SSA website. But if you get a second payment when it’s not scheduled, give the SSA a call.

Is a second SSI check paid a different way?

No, if the SSA is sending out two SSI payments in one month, they’ll both be paid in whichever way you’ve signed up to receive your funds.

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1. SSA.gov. Getting Two SSI Payments in One Month. Accessed Nov 26, 2026.
2. SSA.gov. Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments 202. Accessed Nov 26, 2025.
3. SSA.gov. What You Need to Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Accessed Nov 26, 2025.

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Why you’re getting two SSI payments
When you’ll get paid
How the second SSI payment will be paid

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