Disability Benefits Update – Three New Payments Scheduled for September

Millions of disabled Americans rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for monthly financial support. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues these payments in four rounds each month, depending on the beneficiary’s birth date and when they began claiming benefits. For September 2024, beneficiaries will see three additional checks sent out following a staggered schedule based on birth dates.

Payment Timing

Those who applied for disability benefits before May 1997 receive their checks on the third day of each month, unless that date falls on a weekend or holiday. For these recipients, everyone receives their payments simultaneously, regardless of their birth date.

For beneficiaries who applied after May 1997, the SSA follows a staggered payment schedule. Payments are made on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month based on the individual’s birth date. Here is the specific payment schedule for September 2024:

If your payment does not arrive by the expected date, the SSA advises waiting at least three mailing days before reaching out. You can also check the status of your payment by logging into your My Social Security account or contacting SSA Customer Service.

Benefits

SSDI payments vary based on an individual’s work history, contributions to Social Security, and specific conditions of disability. On average, disabled recipients receive $1,537 per month. However, there are higher payment levels for certain types of disabilities. For instance:

• The average SSDI payment is $1,537 per month.
• Blind recipients can receive up to $2,590 per month.
• Those who contributed based on maximum taxable earnings may receive up to $3,822 per month.

The exact benefit amount is based on the recipient’s work history and the amount of Social Security taxes they paid over their lifetime.

COLA Adjustments

Each year, SSDI benefits are adjusted according to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), which helps ensure that payments keep up with inflation. The COLA for 2024 was set at 3.2%, but projections for 2025 suggest a potential decrease, with estimates ranging between 2.6% and 3%. While the exact percentage won’t be confirmed until October, a smaller COLA increase could still boost benefits.

Here’s how a 2.63% or 3.2% COLA would affect disability benefits:

These adjustments, while modest, ensure that beneficiaries’ checks keep pace with inflation, albeit slightly.

Program

In addition to SSDI payments, the SSA recently made changes to the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Starting September 30th, 2024, the SSA will no longer consider food when calculating In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) for SSI recipients. This change aims to simplify benefit calculations and ensure that food assistance does not reduce SSI payments, making the program more accessible and equitable.

These updates, along with the staggered payment schedule, help ensure that disabled individuals receive their benefits on time and in accordance with their specific eligibility criteria.

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