Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, good food, and time with loved ones—but for many New Yorkers, it’s also a time of financial stress. Between rising grocery prices, travel costs, and colder weather driving up heating bills, holiday expenses are hitting hard. Fortunately, for one group of New Yorkers, some much-needed relief is arriving right on time: a Thanksgiving Eve payment worth over $5,000.
Let’s break down exactly who’s getting paid, how much, and what other programs may put extra money into your pocket this November.
Table of Contents
Expenses
First, let’s face it: the holidays are expensive. Between Thanksgiving meals, gift shopping, and holiday travel, even the most careful budgets can get thrown off. Add New York’s already high cost of living into the mix, and it’s easy to see why so many residents are depending on their November payments to arrive on time.
Late checks or delays could mean missed bills, skipped celebrations, or extra stress—none of which anyone needs during the holidays.
Payment
That’s why this news from the Social Security Administration (SSA) matters. According to the official 2025 SSA schedule, certain beneficiaries will receive their monthly Social Security payment on Wednesday, November 26—the day before Thanksgiving.
So, who’s getting paid on Thanksgiving Eve? The SSA issues payments based on your birthdate, and this particular group includes anyone born between the 21st and 31st of any month. If that’s you, your benefits should land right before Thanksgiving.
And for some of these recipients, the amount could be as high as $5,108—the maximum monthly benefit in 2025.
Maximum
Now, don’t get too excited unless you meet some very specific criteria. To receive the maximum Social Security benefit of $5,108, you must:
- Have worked for at least 35 years
- Earned the maximum taxable income each of those years
- Delayed claiming benefits until age 70
Most recipients won’t hit that maximum, but even average payments provide critical support—especially when they arrive just in time for the holidays.
Bonuses
This isn’t the only financial relief heading to New Yorkers this season.
Many are also receiving additional payments from state-level programs, including:
- The STAR program rebate, which helps with school property taxes
- One-time inflation relief checks, worth up to $400 for eligible households
- Expansion of Child Tax Credits and childcare assistance under the FY 2026 state budget
These payments—some of which have already been issued—are designed to ease inflation burdens and make life more affordable for families and low-income households across the state.
Relief
And New York isn’t stopping there. State officials have committed to making the Empire State more livable through long-term affordability strategies. That includes:
- Tax cuts for middle- and low-income families
- Support for the “No Tax on Tips” bill—allowing service industry workers to deduct up to $25,000 in tips from taxable income between 2025 and 2028
All of these programs work together to help keep New Yorkers above water in one of the most expensive states in the country.
Reminder
So, if you’re a Social Security recipient with a birthdate from the 21st to 31st—check your bank account on November 26. And if you’ve applied for or qualified for a STAR rebate or inflation check, keep an eye out for that too.
While it may not be a new $5,000 Thanksgiving “bonus,” these scheduled payments are real—and for some, they’ll make all the difference in enjoying the holiday season without breaking the bank.
FAQs
Who gets the $5,108 payment?
Social Security recipients born 21st–31st, meeting maximum benefit criteria.
When is the Thanksgiving Eve payment?
November 26, 2025, per SSA’s official payment schedule.
What is the STAR rebate?
A state refund helping New Yorkers pay school property taxes.
What is the No Tax on Tips bill?
It allows service workers to deduct up to $25,000 in tips.
Are there other NY rebate payments?
Yes, including inflation checks and expanded child tax credits.
