If you’re a senior looking to claim Social Security retirement benefits in December 2024, there are a few important things to consider. You need to meet certain requirements, including being at least 62 years old and having earned enough Social Security Payments. In this article, we’ll walk you through the requirements to qualify for these benefits and explain the payment dates for December. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to get your $1,927 payment in December and what to expect for 2025.
Requirements to Get Social Security Payments
To receive Social Security retirement benefits in December 2024, you need to meet some basic conditions:
- Age: You must be at least 62 years old to start receiving retirement benefits.
- Work History: You need to have earned enough Social Security credits. Typically, 40 credits (which represent 10 years of work) are required to qualify for retirement benefits. However, some people may not qualify if they worked in jobs that didn’t pay payroll taxes to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- Foreign Work: If you worked outside the U.S. for most of your life, or if you worked for local, state, or federal government jobs, you may have different rules and eligibility.
You can check how many Social Security credits you have by creating a My Social Security account online. This will allow you to see if you qualify for retirement benefits at age 62 and what the possible amounts might be.
Social Security Payment Dates for December 2024
Once you’ve applied and been approved for Social Security benefits, you’ll receive your payments in December. Your payment will depend on when your birthday falls, and payments will be made on the following dates:
- December 3: If you recently applied and are also receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- December 11: If you were born between 1st to 10th of the month.
- December 18: If you were born between 11th to 20th of the month.
- December 24: If you were born between 21st to 31st of the month.
Your Social Security payment for December 2024 will be around $1,927 on average, but it can vary based on your work history and previous earnings.
COLA Increase in January 2025
Starting in January 2025, Social Security payments will include a 2.5% COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment). This means a small increase in your payments. For example, if your current monthly payment is around $1,927, you will receive an extra 2.5% increase, which is about $48. This COLA adjustment helps seniors keep up with inflation and rising costs.
Conclusion
If you’re 62 years old or older and have earned 40 Social Security credits, you can apply for Social Security retirement benefits in December. Payments will be issued on specific dates based on your birthday, and the average payment for December will be around $1,927. Don’t forget that the 2.5% COLA increase in 2025 will bring a small but helpful increase in your payments. Be sure to check your Social Security credits to know if you qualify and to get an idea of what you can expect to receive.
FAQ’s
What is the minimum age to start receiving Social Security retirement benefits?
You must be at least 62 years old to start receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
How many Social Security credits do I need to qualify for retirement benefits?
You need at least 40 credits, which is usually equivalent to 10 years of work.
When will I receive my Social Security payment in December 2024?
Your payment will be issued on December 3, 11, 18, or 24, depending on your birthdate.