10 Ways To Make the Most of Your Social Security Payment in November

As a retiree living on a fixed income, you're constantly looking for new ways to supplement your Social Security benefit. But between inflation, the holiday season, and the looming threat of rising health care costs, it might feel harder than ever to make ends meet this November. Luckily, several small, everyday steps can help you keep more cash in your wallet.

Keep reading for our top 10 tips to help your Social Security benefit stretch to the end of the month.

Buy generic brands for your Thanksgiving feast

You don't need brand-name stuffing or green beans to craft a stellar Thanksgiving meal.

Generic brands almost always taste the same as the brand-name items they're meant to replace, so switching to generic means your bottom line will benefit without compromising the quality of your meal.

Check local holiday resources for seniors

Your local food bank or senior center might offer free turkeys, canned goods, or even a free Thanksgiving meal for retirees on fixed incomes.

Look for flyers at your local library or swing by the community center during daylight hours to learn about November-specific resources and events for seniors.

Take advantage of early holiday sales

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday all offer great opportunities to save money on presents for your kids and grandkids.

Do your research on sales ahead of time so you can take advantage of the best ones and avoid overspending on gifts this year.

Pare down streaming services

With price hikes coming to popular streaming services like HBO, it's a good time to cancel any streaming plan you aren't using.

If you use your streaming services frequently, consider consolidating costs by switching to a family plan that you share with a friend, neighbor, or family member. You can also stream movies via your local library on a free service like Kanopy.

Say goodbye to unnecessary subscriptions

How often are you really taking advantage of your newspaper subscription or paid meditation app? Apps like Rocket Money will help you find every subscription you're currently paying for so you can cancel those you used once and then forgot about.

Compare insurance quotes before your policy renews

Car insurance tends to increase as you age. If your insurance policy is about to renew, shop around for quotes to make sure you're getting the best deal for your age.

Trade in your car for one that costs less to insure

If every quote you find is still too high, you could consider trading in your old car for a make and model that insurance companies consider cheaper to cover. Holiday sales might make this month the ideal time to find an even cheaper car.

Pick up a part-time seasonal job

If your Social Security check simply isn't enough on its own, the best way to make it last could be to supplement it with another source of income. Many retailers start hiring part-time workers around this time of year, so check local job listings to start making some extra cash quickly.

Make sure you're really shopping at the cheapest stores

It's easy to fall into the habit of shopping at a particular grocery store, pharmacy, or gas station just because it's closest to you. But shopping somewhere a little farther away, especially at discount stores like Walmart or Grocery Outlet, could help you cut down on food costs.

Find out if your state offers property tax relief for seniors

Some cities, states, and municipalities offer property tax reductions specifically for seniors. Others have volunteer programs that let you work temporarily for the city in exchange for property discounts. Still others freeze property taxes for people over a certain age or with income below a certain level.

Talk to authorities at your local tax agency or do some online research to find out if your area offers any available discounts.

When to expect your payment this month

Unless you're receiving both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security benefits, you'll get your Social Security check on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of the month. Your payment date depends on the day of your birth:

• If your birthday is between the 1st and 10th day of your birth month, your payment arrives on Nov. 12.
• If your birthday is between the 11th and 20th day of your birth month, your payment arrives on Nov. 19.
• If your birthday is between the 21st and 31st day of your birth month, your payment arrives on Nov. 26.

If you get both Social Security and SSI benefits, you'll receive your November SSI check on Friday, Oct. 31. That's because the first falls on a Saturday and the Social Security Administration only makes payments on weekdays. Then, you'll get your November Social Security payment on Monday, Nov. 3.

Bottom line

Sticking to a budget and maximizing your senior benefits can get trickier during the holiday season, but it pays to be careful with your cash as the year draws to a close. Sticking to tips like the ones we listed here will ensure you finish the year strong so you can start 2026 on the right financial foot.