Some SSI users may be surprised to learn that the Social Security Administration is currently SSI Check Payments to make sure everything is in order. Although it is a monthly check that many people are unaware of, some retirees can lose money if they do not meet the program’s requirements. Unlike pension, survivor and Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, beneficiaries who are eligible for the SSI check do not need to have paid Social Security contributions, as this financial program is specifically designed for low-income seniors over 65, the disabled and children in difficult financial circumstances.
The SSA is auditing millions of beneficiaries who receive a monthly SSI check
As an extension of the Social Security Administration (SSA)) to a specific group, those applying for SSI payments must follow the program’s rules to ensure that money is paid to those in need while avoiding overpayments. For this reason, the SSA conducts a periodic audit to verify the beneficiary’s financial situation and health. When the federal agency conducts this investigation, it will likely ask about the beneficiary’s income and assets, along with other variables such as marital status. This is called a determination because if the recipient marries after applying for benefits, he or she must notify the SSA immediately.
According to the Social Security Administration, a reassessment process for newlywed SSI users also notes the spouse’s income or vital status and minor dependents with disabilities are confirmed for the unit data. It is important to note that single individuals who qualify for this program receive monthly benefits of $943, while married couples who are both eligible receive $1,415. In addition, beneficiaries who qualify for the essential person (EP) criteria will receive an additional payment of $472. Remember, to be eligible for the SSI check, recipients must first meet income and asset limits, which are currently $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
When will beneficiaries receive their SSI check this month?
Based on the Social security payment planSSI recipients are the first to receive benefits each month because they are always paid on the first day of the month unless that day falls on a holiday or weekend. For example, this month, beneficiaries were paid on Wednesday, August 1, but they will receive an additional payment on August 30 because September 1 falls on a Sunday. In addition to August, recipients will also receive an advance payment in November, meaning that recipients will receive a total of $1,886 and $2,830 in benefits for individuals and couples, respectively. Below are all of the confirmed upcoming payment dates for SSI recipients this year:
- August: Thursday, 1st of the month
- August (September): Friday, August 30
- October: Tuesday, 1st of the month
- November: Friday, 1st of the month
- November (December): Friday, November 29th
Progress on SSI underpayment review
According to the Social Security Administration, 7.4 million people with disabilities and older adults will receive $61 billion in federal benefits in 2023. SSI paymentswith underpayments representing less than 1% of all payments in fiscal years 2019-2023. Although underpayments represent only a small percentage of total benefits paid to SSI beneficiaries, they can have a significant impact on people waiting. Underpayments indicate amounts owed for previous months and are often made between the time an SSI application is submitted and the day the application is accepted. People who are eligible to receive the SSI check but must wait for their benefits to be paid may experience even greater financial hardship during this time.
In fiscal year 2024, SSA removed barriers to timely release of underpayments by updating a policy that required peer review for underpayments over $5,000. The policy was increased from $5,000 to $15,000. Underpayments under $15,000 can now be released without peer review, reducing the time it takes for SSI recipients to receive their first installment payment. The federal agency said it remains committed to finding solutions to the problems that have hindered the timely disbursement of underpayments. $901 million in SSI underpayments have been released through June 2024, including $209.1 million for over 81,000 individuals.
