Social Security payments are about to start in February once again, but, before that, there is a payment that will be brought forward to the last day of January due to, shall we say, an “anomaly” in the official Social Security Administration (SSA) calendar.
The SSA makes payments every month on different dates for all types of benefits it provides: retirement (in three groups on the second, third, and fourth Wednesday), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and SSDI disability benefits sharing a date with the withdrawn according to the beneficiary’s birthday.
A brief summary of Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program in the United States designed to help people with limited economic resources who have disabilities, are blind, or are 65 years of age or older. Unlike Social Security retirement benefits, SSI does not require prior work history, as it is aimed at people with low incomes and few resources.
To qualify, SSI recipients must meet strict income and asset limits, as these financial aids (based on need and not work history) are designed for those most in need.
The maximum payment for an individual recipient is $967, while a couple who live together and receive benefits together can qualify for a maximum of $1,450. Then, if the beneficiary needs to pay for an essential helper, the maximum award is $484.
Why February SSI benefits are paid in January
SSI payment is made on the first day of each month. However, if that date falls on a weekend, payment is advanced to the last business day of the previous month. For example, in March 2025, since March 1st is a Saturday, payment will be advanced to Friday, February 28th.
The agency has had a policy for decades not to make payments on weekends or holidays. With this way of proceeding, the SSA guarantees that payments are not late and always arrive on time. If your Social Security or SSI benefits do not arrive on time, you can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) in several ways.
The most direct way is to call the SSA customer service number: 1-800-772-1213. This service is available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (local time). If you are hearing impaired, you can use TTY service by calling 1-800-325-0778.
Before calling, make sure you have your Social Security number and any relevant documentation, such as letters or notices from the SSA, handy. This will help speed up the process. If you prefer not to call, you can also visit your local Social Security office or access your account online at www.ssa.gov to check the status of your payment or send a message.
