Check your bank account – Your September SSI payment is arriving today

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently confirmed that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive their final monthly payment today. SSI payments support people over 65, disabled individuals, and children in specific financial situations who meet certain income and resource limits. Typically, the SSA issues one SSI payment on the first day of each month. However, if the first falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is rescheduled to the preceding business day.

This year, due to the schedule adjustments, SSI payments were issued on August 1st and August 30th. Looking ahead, the SSI payments will follow this schedule:

• October: Tuesday, October 1st
• November: Friday, November 1st
• December (early payment): Friday, November 29th
• January (early payment): Tuesday, December 31st

If you don’t receive your payment on the expected date, SSA advises waiting at least three mailing days before contacting customer service.

Eligibility

To qualify for SSI, applicants must meet specific income and resource criteria. Eligible groups include people over 65, disabled individuals, and children with financial needs. The SSI program operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Some states may also provide additional payments on top of federal benefits. SSI is crucial for many, offering financial support to those who might otherwise fall into poverty due to limited income and resources.

Amounts

The amount you receive from SSI varies depending on your category during application—individual, couple, or essential person (EP). The payments for 2024 are as follows:

• Individuals: $698 on average, up to $943 per month.
• Couples: Up to $1,415 monthly if all requirements are met.
• Essential Person (EP): An extra $472 monthly for those who qualify under special conditions set by the SSA.

For the EP category, specific requirements must be met, and more information can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Schedule

SSI payments are generally made on the first day of each month unless that day is a weekend or holiday, in which case, the payment date is moved to the previous business day. Here is the SSI payment schedule for the upcoming months:

If a payment doesn’t arrive on the expected date, SSA suggests waiting at least three mailing days before contacting customer service.

Application Process

To expand SSI’s reach and streamline the application process, the SSA is making several changes. As of June 22, 2024, the SSA will only examine an applicant’s work history from the past five years instead of fifteen. This change aims to increase the number of people receiving benefits, reduce administrative costs, and improve customer service by cutting down processing times.

By focusing on recent employment history, applicants can make more informed decisions and concentrate on their most relevant work experience. Additionally, the new policy excludes any job started and completed within 30 days, further simplifying the process.

SSI payments play a vital role in providing financial support to elderly, disabled individuals, and children who meet specific criteria. With the SSA’s recent changes, more individuals may qualify for these benefits, and the process for applying will become easier. Remember to stay informed about your payment schedule and eligibility criteria to maximize the benefits you’re entitled to receive.

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