No SSI Payments: The Social Security Administration has said that SSI recipients will not be given any more payments until October. This new change has caused panic among those that use these funds to cater for their needs, especially those in the health sector. For those impacted by the delay, it is pertinent to know why such a change has taken place and how one should handle the finances till the time payments are made again.
Supplemental Security Income SSI is the social security plan intended to support disabled persons and aged or blind citizens who are unable to earn enough income to cater for their daily needs. This is a SSA-administered program that provides monthly stipends that allow numerous citizens to survive.
What is the Social Security SSI program and how does it work?
This financial aid is important for those in need of economic support as it tends to the needs of people in areas like food, shelter and health services. This program is unlike other Social Security programs whereby SSI is financed from the U.S. Treasury and not Social Security taxes. This distinction implies that the program is meant for people that cannot work or have very little earnings.
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Key dates in the SSI payment schedule
Here are the important dates for SSI payments for the rest of the year:
- September advance payment: August 29
- October payment: October 1
- November advance payment: October 31
- December payment: December 1
Of course, SPA doesn’t take place in September or November but beneficiaries have it already in their pockets. It is important to remember this when trying to plan the budget since during these months it can be quite difficult to find the necessary amount of money.
Changes to the Social Security payment schedule
All the programs run by the Social Security Administration set an annual payment program every year. The majority of SSI payments are given on the first of every month; nevertheless, there are times in which the schedule is adjusted if the first of the particular month falls on a weekend or a holiday. In such instances, the payment is made on the last business day before the planned date of the payment.
This means that, for the rest of the year 2024, beneficiaries of SSI must kindly take note that there would not be any payment in both September and November. This does not, however, mean benefits for these months are missing, but these payments are made earlier. For instance, the beneficiaries who were supposed to be paid for September received their payment on August 29, while the payment for November will be processed on the 31st of October.
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How much money do SSI recipients receive?
How much SSI recipients are paid depends on the person’s situation. Disbursement by category indicates that the average monthly payment stands at $698 per person; however, the amount can be higher based on the available fare, food, and other necessities based on the recipient’s income. For instance, if one qualifies for this program, he or she can be given as much as $943 per month, while a couple can be given as much as $1,415 per month.
Further, if there is an adjustment due to a change in personal circumstances or if a COLA is awarded usually in October for effect from January of the next year, then it may get a further one.
What should SSI recipients do if they miss a payment or receive an incorrect amount?
Inform the SSA at the earliest at a toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 or visit the local SSA office. , especially if the payment that has been made is in the wrong amount or failed to be made at all. Explain the problem.
The SSA would look into the matter and pay you the difference either in a lump sum or at higher compensation rates. It can also bring out any documents that may help clear any disparity that may have been noted in your earnings.
If overpaid, then you shall be given a notice informing you that you have been paid more than you should and the correct action to take. It has been learned that, as a rule, the money is to be paid back, perhaps through lesser benefits in the future or a refund of a lump sum.