The Social Security Administration will be issuing two checks to recipients in December, but why? The reason for this is a scheduling anomaly that occurs when January 1st is a federal holiday. This causes recipients to receive two payments in December, with the first installment being disbursed on December 1st and the second payment replacing the January payment and going out on December 29th. The maximum payment amount varies depending on the filing status, with individuals eligible for up to $914 per month and eligible couples able to receive up to $1,371 per month. Recipients can check their personalized estimate using the SSA's calculator.

To qualify for these payments, recipients must be at least 65 years old and meet certain financial requirements. Individuals under 65 may also qualify if they are partially blind or have a physical or mental disability that severely limits their daily activities. Children may also be eligible for SSI payments under certain conditions. These SSI payments are separate from regular retirement payments and are sent out on a different schedule. Recipients can expect a 3.2% increase in the monthly benefit amount next year.