As December is almost upon us, it is time for Social Security beneficiaries in the United States to prepare for some changes coming this December, both in the payment schedule and in services during the holidays. The SSA (Social Security Administration) has already released details for you to keep in mind as you organize your arrangements.
What happens with Social Security offices during Christmas?
As is the case every year, SSA offices will be closed on December 25 for the Christmas holiday. This means that on December 25 there will be no face-to-face or telephone service. If you need to carry out any procedures, don’t worry: the official portal will be available 24 hours a day, as usual. On the website you can do useful things like:
- Apply for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits.
- Check the status of your applications.
- Download documents such as the benefit verification letter.
- Order a replacement Social Security card (if you are in an area where this service is available).
The SSA has stated that its website is the best alternative for those who need to resolve something urgent. Especially on those days when the social benefits offices are closed or even if you remember that the period for making a particular application has ended? A piece of advice? If you do not yet know how to use Difficult, this may be a good time to register and familiarize yourself with the system.
December brings important news for retirees in the U.S.
The Christmas holiday also has an impact on the deposit schedule. Whenever a payment is made on a holiday, the SSA advances it to the last business day before. So, this year, if you were expecting your money on Wednesday, December 25, you will receive it one day earlier, on Tuesday, December 24.
Here is a summary of the calendar for December 2024:
- Nov. 29: SSI recipients will receive their deposit early (since Dec. 1 is a Sunday).
- December 3: Payment for those who began receiving benefits before May 1997.
- Dec. 11: For those born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
- December 18: For those born between the 11th and 20th.
- December 24: Advance payment for those born between the 21st and the 31st.
- December 31: January 2025 deposit for SSI recipients, advanced for New Year’s Day.
If you are expecting your deposit this month, check the dates carefully to avoid surprises.
What services will be available during the holidays?
Although there will be no personalized phone service on December 25, SSA’s automated systems will continue to operate. In addition, the official website is a great tool for resolving questions or completing paperwork. From changing personal information to reviewing payment history, virtually everything can be done from there.
Keep in mind that the Social Security program is the key to millions of people in the country, as it includes benefits, retirement, disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Therefore, to help all beneficiaries receive their support on time, the SSA will also push for calendar changes and continued focus on digital services even during the holidays.
