There's no SSI check scheduled for this month: Don't worry, it all comes down to the calendar
Some Social Security beneficiaries may have noticed something a bit unusual on this month's schedule: There is no SSI check payment scheduled for the month of September.
The slight change on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) calendar may not come as much of a surprise to those keeping a close eye on the administration's 2024 timetable, which lays out dates for different types of payments throughout the year. However, for those used to seeing money hit their accounts on the first of the month, the adjustment may still cause some confusion.
Luckily, there is a simple explanation for this that does not include anyone missing out on their needed funds. In other words, it just comes down to the calendar. But with about 7.5 million people receiving SSI benefits in 2024, even a seemingly minor modification can trigger a little uncertainty. Here's what to know about SSI benefits this month.
Looking ahead:Social Security is constantly getting tweaked. Here's what could be changing next.
Why aren't recipients getting SSI checks in September?
Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will not technically receive a September check due to a simple scheduling anomaly.
Usually, SSI benefits, which are payments for low-income seniors and disabled people, come on the first business day of each month. Because Sept. 1 fell on a Sunday this year, the payment intended to cover September was distributed on Friday, Aug. 30 instead.
With the next round of checks not going out until Oct. 1, according to the SSA calendar, beneficiaries technically will not see an SSI payment in September.
The same happened a few months ago in June when payments were distributed on Friday, May 31, instead of Saturday, June 1, and not again until Monday, July 1.
What is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI, is different from Social Security retirement benefits.
As explained by AARP, the Social Security Administration distributes SSI benefits but does not pay for them. While Social Security benefits are funded largely by income taxes, SSI is financed by the U.S. Treasury and state-level supplements.
SSI is meant to benefit older people and people with disabilities who fall under a certain income threshold. While a variety of factors go into determining eligibility, the SSA says adults or children may be entitled to the benefits if they have:
- Little or no income, and
- Little or no resources, and
- A disability, blindness, or are age 65 or older.
The maximum monthly benefit available for an individual in 2024 is $943 and $1,415 for couples if both parties qualify.
SSI benefits are different from what is commonly referred to as "disability" or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is determined by work history. SSDI pays benefits to people who have a disability and have contributed an ample amount to Social Security via income taxes after working enough years to qualify. SSI, on the other hand, does not require a work history.
September Social Security payment schedule
The SSA releases its yearly distribution schedules well in advance; you can begin planning for next year now with the already-released 2025 calendar. As it stands, a few months in 2025 will follow a similiar pattern to this September.
Recipients of typical Social Security retirement benefits will receive them as usual this month according to SSA:
- September 11: Birth dates between the 1 and 10 of the month
- September 18: Birth dates between the 11 and the 20 of the month
- September 25: Birth dates between the 21 and the 31 of the month
Simplified SSI applications coming this year
Last week, the SSA announced that it will be rolling out a new, streamlined process for Americans to apply for SSI benefits later this year.
The new online system, called iClaim, will feature simpler, plain-language questions meant to expedite the process for both applicants and claims processors, according to a press release from the agency.
Not all applicants will immediately be able to access the new system when it begins rolling out right away, however. The SSA said the phase in December will generally be available for first-time applicants between 18 and almost 65 who never married and are concurrently applying for Social Security benefits and SSI.
The second phase to expand this to all applicants is slated for 2025.
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