Social Security announces new increase in SSI checks – It’s Official
According to Lagradaonline, Some beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program are poised to receive an increase in their SSI checks due to a backlog in benefit payments. As many individuals live paycheck to paycheck, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced significant increases in Supplemental Security Income benefits. This program is designed to offer financial support to low-income Americans, disabled individuals who have not paid Social Security taxes, and children under specific financial conditions. SSI checks are crucial for millions who rely on these monthly payments to cover living expenses. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their income and resources, including wages and other Social Security payments, fall below established thresholds.
Urgent Support for Beneficiaries with Terminal Illnesses
The increase in SSI checks will benefit approximately 400 individuals with terminal illnesses, including those suffering from serious conditions such as chronic heart failure and various forms of cancer. According to the SSA, this specific group has faced delays in benefit payments, placing them in a vulnerable position and leaving them without sufficient funds to meet daily living costs. The SSA emphasizes the urgency of addressing the needs of recipients who have been underpaid and are contending with life-threatening health issues.
To alleviate their financial burden, the SSA has recognized the need to ensure these individuals receive the financial support to which they are entitled, particularly during such critical times. The forthcoming adjustment in benefits aims to provide greater stability amid challenging circumstances, with monthly checks expected to reflect the increase within the next three to six months. However, the increase cannot exceed the maximum monthly SSI payment allowed for 2024, which is set at $943.
Additional Benefits for Social Security Recipients in December
In addition to the SSI check increases, recipients will see another boost in their monthly benefits due to the upcoming cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which is expected to be announced next week. Although the exact COLA increase will be revealed on October 10th, a preliminary forecast suggests that SSI checks may rise by approximately 2.5%.
SSI benefits | Social Security checks | 2.5% COLA increase | Extra income |
---|---|---|---|
On average | $698 | $715 | $17 |
Individuals | $943 | $967 | $24 |
Couples | $1,415 | $1,450 | $35 |
Essential person | $472 | $484 | $12 |
Also Read: Days numbered for current SNAP maximum amounts, new COLA increase in hours
It’s important to note that these beneficiaries will start receiving their increased monthly checks on December 31st. In contrast, other Social Security beneficiaries will only receive their new benefits beginning in January. The early payment for SSI recipients is due to the fact that the Social Security Administration typically issues SSI checks on the first day of each month. Since January 1 falls on a holiday, the SSA will reschedule that payment to the preceding business day. Beneficiaries are advised that if their payment does not arrive as scheduled, they should wait at least three mailing days before contacting customer service, as any delays may be related to their banking processing systems.
When Will Beneficiaries Receive Their Final SSI Checks of the Year?
The federal agency manages over 70 million payments each month and has established a Social Security payment schedule that allows beneficiaries to easily see their exact payment dates. Based on this schedule, SSI beneficiaries will receive their last four Social Security payments of the year on the following dates:
SSI payments | SSI payment dates | Advanced SSI payment |
---|---|---|
September | – | – |
October | October 1st | – |
November | November 1st | November 29th (December 1st) |
December | – | December 31st (January 1st |