How to know if you'll get an 'extra' check in January

(NEXSTAR) — In addition to a possible surprise bump in your paycheck, you may be among those who receive an “extra” check to start off 2025.

Twice a year, those who are paid bi-weekly get a three-payday month. The first in 2025 will be in January — at least for some.

Who will receive an “extra” paycheck in January?

Even if you are paid bi-weekly, you may not get three paychecks in January.

The easiest way to tell if you will is by looking at when you were last paid. If you were paid the Friday after Christmas, January will only have two paychecks for you. If you were paid before Christmas, you’re in luck — an “extra” paycheck will come your way next month.

Your three paydays will be on January 3, 17, and 31.

When is the next three payday month?

If you are paid three times in January, your next triple-payday month will be in August.

For those who fall in the group of employees paid bi-weekly, but are only paid twice in January, your first triple-payday month will come in May. The next will come in October.

Should you be paid bi-weekly on Thursdays, you’ll see three paychecks in either January and July or May and October.

Why are there extra paychecks in January?

It’s all about how the calendar breaks down.

If you are paid every other Friday, you receive 26 paychecks in a year, which is 52 weeks long. That means you are paid twice a month, except for two months when you are paid thrice.

Is the paycheck really “extra?”

No — if you are paid bi-weekly, you get 26 paychecks annually.

Financial experts warn to view it not as “extra” but just another part of your income you should expect to receive annually.

Alliant Credit Union recommends reviewing your budget: if you’re on track with your two usual paychecks (or four, depending on how frequently you’re paid), it may be best to invest the funds or put them toward other financial goals, like paying down debt or contributing to an emergency fund.