People become worried when they realize there will be no Social Security checks in December

Social Security recipients are worried after learning they won't receive a monthly check in December.

However, this is simply due to a calendar feature – some people receive two checks in November instead.

The change affects those receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which can provide up to $4,873 and $1,415, respectively, for couples.

Social Security is a retirement benefit based on employment history. On the other hand, SSI is needs-based and is intended to help seniors who are not eligible for regular Social Security as well as people of all ages who are blind or disabled.

SSI payments are issued on the first business day of the month.

However, since December 1st falls on a Sunday this year, the month's payments will actually be distributed on Friday, November 29th.

SSI is a benefit for people over 65, blind or disabled with limited income

Pension checks are also subject to the same calendar special features and can occasionally arrive a few days earlier.

Due to the large number of payments to be processed, payments are staggered throughout the month.

If you were born between the 1st and 10th of a month, you should receive your monthly check on the second Wednesday of the month.

Those born in the next category, between the 11th and 20th, received their check on the third Wednesday of the month, October 16th.

Those born between the 21st and 31st of a month will receive their check on the fourth Wednesday, which falls on the 23rd next week.

The highest pension payments are up to $4,873, although this amount is likely to be lower for most recipients.

In fact, the average monthly pension check is $1,907, a number that takes into account the 35 highest-earning years of a recipient's career and is adjusted for inflation.

“The maximum benefit depends on the age at which you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2024, your maximum benefit will be $3,822,” the SSA's website says.

“However, if you retire in 2024 at age 62, your maximum pension will be $2,710.”

“If you retire in 2024 at age 70, your maximum pension will be $4,873,” the website explains.

Total payouts, including pension, disability and survivor benefits, now cost the government about $1.5 trillion a year.

Meanwhile, Americans living in nine states will receive less Social Security starting this month due to a tax jump.

Social Security recipients were worried after looking at the check schedule

Beneficiaries living in Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont or West Virginia may have to pay more.

The exact impact depends on which state you live in and overall income.

It was also announced earlier this year that Social Security is expected to run out of funds by 2035.

The program relies on its trust funds to provide monthly benefit checks to about 70 million Americans.

But an aging population drives up the cost of the program because a smaller share of people pay for it and expenses outweigh revenues.

The Social Security Board of Trustees' most recent annual report found that the program will only be able to pay out full benefits for the next 11 years – a year later than previous estimates.