Some Social Security recipients may have noticed a slight change in their schedule this month: No SSI checks are scheduled to be paid in September.
The slight change in the Social Security Administration's schedule may not come as much of a surprise to those who have been closely watching the agency's 2024 schedule, which lays out dates for different types of payments throughout the year. But the adjustments could still be confusing for people who are used to seeing money deposited into their accounts on the first of each month.
Fortunately, there is a simple explanation for why no one is missing out on the necessary funds. In other words, it's simply a calendar issue. However, about 7.5 million people Receiving SSI Benefits Even seemingly small changes could cause a bit of uncertainty in 2024. Here's what you need to know about your SSI benefits this month.
Future Outlook:Social Security is constantly changing. Here's what could change next.
Why aren't recipients receiving their SSI checks in September?
Recipient Supplemental Security Income Due to a simple schedule anomaly, you technically won't receive your September check.
SSI benefits, which are paid to low-income seniors and people with disabilities, are usually paid out on the first business day of each month. This year, because September 1 fell on a Sunday, September's payments were sent out on Friday, August 30.
The next checks won't be sent until October 1st. SSA CalendarRecipients technically won't be able to get SSI payments in September.
The same thing happened a few months ago in June, when the payment was made on Friday May 31st instead of Saturday June 1st, and then not until Monday July 1st.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not the same as Social Security retirement benefits.
As AARP explainsThe SSA distributes SSI benefits but does not pay them. While Social Security benefits are funded primarily by income taxes, SSI is funded by the U.S. Treasury and state-level grants.
SSI is a benefit given to seniors and people with disabilities who do not meet certain income standards. Eligibility is determined based on a variety of factors, but the SSA determines whether an adult or child is eligible for benefits. You may be entitled to benefits If the following conditions are true:
- Little or no income.
- There are few or no resources.
- Disabled, blind, or over 65 years old.
The maximum monthly benefit an individual can receive in 2024 is $943, or $1,415 for married couples where both spouses qualify.
SSI Benefits Are Different “Disability,” or Social Security Disability Insurance, as it is commonly called, is determined by work history. SSDI pays benefits to people who are disabled and have worked enough years to qualify, and who have paid enough into Social Security through income taxes. SSI, on the other hand, does not require work history.
Social Security Payment Schedule for September
The SSA releases its annual distribution schedule well in advance, so you can start planning for next year using the schedule that has already been released. Calendar for 2025. As things stand, the months of 2025 will likely follow a similar pattern to September this year.
Regular Social Security pension recipients will continue to receive their benefits as usual this month. According to the SSA:
◾ September 11th: People born between the 1st and 10th of the month.
◾ September 18th: People born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
◾ September 25th: People born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
SSI applications will be simplified this year
Last week, the SSA announced that later this year it will implement a new, streamlined process for Americans to apply for SSI benefits.
The new online system, called iClaim, features simpler, more understandable questions aimed at speeding up the process for both applicants and claims processors, the company said. Press release from the agency.
But even though the new system is coming soon, it won't be available to all claimants right away: The December phase will generally open to first-time filers ages 18 to nearly 65 who have never been married and are applying for Social Security and SSI benefits simultaneously, according to the Social Security Administration.
A second phase, expanding this to all applicants, is planned for 2025.
