Saying goodbye to SSI benefits in December – Social Security announces it

Nearly 7 million claimants in the United States will receive benefits due to a change in the Social Security Administration’s regular payment schedule two SSI benefits deadlines next month. Looking at next month’s calendar, some Social Security beneficiaries may have noticed that another SSI check is due in November. The slight change in the Social Security Administration’s calendar may not be all that surprising to those carefully watching the administration’s 2024 schedule. which lists the dates for various payouts throughout the year. Many people who are used to having money appear in their account every month may still find this step confusing.

Everything you need to know about SSI benefits

According to the monthly payment scheduleBecause December 1 falls on a Sunday this year, SSI checks for December will be made on the previous business day, which is a Friday. SSI benefits, which are payments to low-income elderly and disabled people, typically begin on the first business day of each month. As a result, SSI payments will be distributed in November on the dates below:

• Friday November 1
• Friday November 29

In addition to these two payments in November, SSI beneficiaries will receive an additional payment on December 31, as January 1 is a holiday. When this happens, the federal government reschedules the payment for the previous business day; therefore, SSI recipients are not affected. Furthermore, once the cost of living adjustment (COLA) was finally published on October 10, this annual increase will be included in the new SSI check payments starting in January 2025. This means that SSI recipients will receive the following payment amounts next year.

Requirements to qualify for SSI benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays SSI benefits, but does not make the payments, according to AARP. While income taxes are the main source of financing Social Security Benefitsthe U.S. Department of the Treasury and state-specific supplements provide funding for SSI. SSI is designed to help people who are older, disabled, and earn less than a certain amount. According to the SSA, although eligibility is based on several factors, adults or children may be eligible for benefits if they:

• Little to no income.
• Limited or no resources.
• Do you have a disability, are you blind or are you 65 years or older?

The maximum monthly benefit awarded in 2024, provided both individuals and couples qualify, is $943 for individuals and $1,415 for couples. Disability benefits are the opposite or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), are determined based on prior employment. Those with disabilities who have contributed enough income taxes to Social Security and have worked long enough to qualify will receive SSDI payments. However, a work history is not necessary for SSI.

A new, simplified application process for SSI benefits

Last Monday the Social Security Administration (SSA) stated that Americans looking to apply for SSI payments will be able to use a new, expedited application process later this year. The press statement claims that the new online system, iClaim, has easier-to-understand questions designed to speed up the process for both adjusters and claimants. However, due to the rapid implementation of the new system, not all candidates would have immediate access to the system.

According to the SSA, the December phase will generally be available to new applicants who are between the ages of 18 and nearly 65, have never been married and are applying for Social security and SSI benefits at the same time. Beneficiaries should also be aware that the second phase of this expansion of the application process is expected to begin in 2025.