November Social Security Update: Key Dates for Social Security Payments and Upcoming Changes for 2025
Updated October 28, 2024 at 8:36 am
Social Security recipients can expect a new batch of payments soon. Along with these payments, it’s important to stay informed about the latest Social Security updates and key dates.
For November, we highlight key Social Security payment dates and review significant changes coming in 2025. From updated payment schedules to the new taxable earnings limit, here’s the latest Social Security news expected to impact your Social Security benefits.
Vault’s Viewpoint
- November Social Security updates include important dates, with checks arriving on the 1st, 13th, 20th, 27th of November and an extra SSI payment on the 29th.
- In November 2024, the maximum Social Security benefits for retirees at age 70 will be $4,873, with maximum SSI payments at $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples.
- The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025, which tries to help benefits keep pace with inflation.
- In 2025, the taxable earnings limit will increase to $176,100.
November Social Security News
Social Security payments are designed to provide a financial safety net for retirees, disabled individuals and survivors. The amount you receive is based on your lifetime earnings, specifically the average of your highest 35 years of earnings. Every year, there’s a potential cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to ensure these payments keep pace with inflation.
In November 2024, the maximum Social Security payment for individuals who retire at 70 will be $4,873. Further, the maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment for an eligible individual will be $943 and $1,415 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse..
| Retirement Age | Maximum Benefit |
| Age 62 | $2,710 |
| Full Retirement Age | $3,822 |
| Age 70 | $4,873 |
SSI Payments | |
| Eligible Individuals | $943 |
| Eligible Couples | $1,415 |
When Do Social Security Checks Arrive in November?
According to recent data, Social Security provides financial support to approximately 73 million people, including retirees, disabled individuals and survivors of deceased workers.
The SSA has a structured payment calendar to ensure timely disbursements. For instance, beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month receive their checks on the second Wednesday. Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th receive theirs on the third Wednesday, and those born between the 21st and 31st receive theirs on the fourth Wednesday.
This systematic approach helps manage the distribution of benefits to the millions of Americans who rely on Social Security for retirement, disability and survivor benefits. Here’s a look at when Social Security payments are expected to arrive in November. As the holiday season approaches, some recipients will be grateful to see their checks ahead of Black Friday.
| Social Security Payment Schedule | Recipient |
| November 1 | SSI Payment and if you started receiving benefits before May 1997 or receive both SSI and Social Security Payments. |
| November 13 | People with birthdays falling between the 1st and the 10th of any month. |
| November 20 | People with birthdays falling between the 11th and the 20th of any month. |
| November 27 | People with birthdays falling between the 21st and the 31st of any month. |
| November 29 | SSI Payment |
SSI Recipients Receive Two Payments in November
SSI recipients get two payments in November because of how the calendar falls this year. Normally, SSI payments are made on the first of the month, but when the first falls on a weekend or a holiday, the payment is made on the business day prior.
In 2024, November 1st is a Friday, so recipients get their regular payment on that date. But December 1st is on a Sunday, so recipients will get their December payment on November 29, which is the last Friday of the month. This means two payments in November.
Important Social Security Changes for 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced several important updates that will soon impact your benefits. Here’s a look at two key 2025 Social Security changes.
2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
On October 10, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025. This increase is supposed to help benefits keep pace with inflation, but experts have suggested the 2025 COLA doesn’t go far enough to help beneficiaries.
Shannon Benton, executive director of The Senior Citizens League, noted in a press release, “This year represents another lost opportunity to grant seniors the financial relief they deserve by changing the COLA calculation from the CPI-W to the CPI-E, which would better reflect seniors’ changing expenses.”
Here’s a look at how the 2025 COLA will impact average monthly benefits for certain types of beneficiaries:
| Type of Beneficiary | September 2024 Average Monthly Benefit | 2025 Average with 2.5% COLA |
| Total Beneficiaries | 1,784.44 | 1,829.05 |
| Old-Age and Survivors Insurance | 1,837.79 | 1,883.73 |
| Retirement Benefits | 1,873.08 | 1,919.91 |
| Retired Workers | 1,921.56 | 1,969.60 |
| Spouses of Retired Workers | 909.23 | 931.96 |
| Children of Retired Workers | 892.72 | 914.04 |
| Survivor Benefits | 1,509.06 | 1,546.78 |
| Disabled Widow(er)s | 927.61 | 950.80 |
| Disability Insurance | 1,402.44 | 1,437.50 |
| Disabled Workers | 1,539.84 | 1,578.33 |
| Spouses of Disabled Workers | 421.49 | 431.03 |
| Children of Disabled Workers | 492.46 | 504.77 |
2025 Taxable Maximum Increase
Social Security is funded through payroll taxes paid by both employees and employers. Employees contribute 6.2% of their earnings up to a certain limit, and employers match this contribution. For 2025, the taxable earnings limit, also known as the “wage base,” will increase to $176,100 from $168,600 in 2024.
This means that a larger slice of high earners’ income will be subject to Social Security tax compared to before. This increase is driven by wage growth and inflation, ensuring that the Social Security system continues to receive adequate funding to support current and future beneficiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits?
You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits online through the Social Security Administration’s website, by phone or in person at a local Social Security office. The process involves providing personal information, work history and documentation to verify your identity and eligibility.
What Is the Full Retirement Age for Social Security Benefits?
The full retirement age (FRA) is the age at which you can receive your full Social Security retirement benefits. If you were born in 1960 or later, the FRA is 67 years old. If you choose to start receiving benefits before your FRA, your benefits will be reduced. If you delay, your benefits may increase.
How Are Social Security Benefits Calculated?
Social Security benefits are based on your lifetime earnings. The Social Security Administration calculates your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) during your 35 highest-earning years and applies a formula to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA). Your PIA is the basis for your benefit amount.
Can I Work While Receiving Social Security Retirement Benefits?
Yes, you can work while receiving Social Security retirement benefits. But beneficiaries who are younger than full retirement age and earn more than the yearly earnings limit may see their benefits temporarily reduced.
For 2024, the earnings limit is $22,320. When you exceed this limit, $1 is deducted from your benefits for every $2 you earn over the limit. When you reach full retirement age, there are no limits on your earnings, and benefits will no longer be reduced regardless of how much you earn.
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