Millions of beneficiaries will receive their September SSI payment in 12 days—this includes those who are disabled and cannot earn a decent income.
In a unique scheduling situation, SSI recipients will receive their September payments on August 30, 2024, instead of the usual September 1st date. This early disbursement is because September 1 falls on a weekend this year, and Labor Day follows on September 2nd, making it necessary for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to issue the payments before these dates.
Why the change in payment date?
The SSA typically issues SSI payments on the first of every month. However, when the first day of the month falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the SSA moves the payment date to the last business day of the previous month. This is to ensure that recipients have access to their funds without delay.
For September 2024, the first falls on a Sunday, and with Labor Day on Monday, September 2nd, the SSA has scheduled the payment for Friday, August 30th. This means that several beneficiaries will receive two payments in August, one for August and one for September.
Who receives SSI payments?
SSI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged (65 or older) and have limited income and resources. The program is designed to help meet basic needs—food, clothing, and shelter.
Recipients of SSI payments include individuals who meet specific financial criteria, determined by their income, assets, and living arrangements. The payment amount can vary based on several factors, including whether the recipient is single, married, or has essential needs that require additional support.
Payment amounts for September 2024
For the September payment, the amounts will be distributed as follows:
- Individuals: The payment for those who filed as individuals will be $943.
- Couples: For those who are married and filed as a couple, the payment will be $1,415.
- Individuals with Essential Needs: Individuals with essential needs, such as those living with a caregiver or in a group home, can receive up to $472 additional support.
Recipient | Monthly amounts for 2024 | Unrounded annual amounts for 2024 |
Eligible individual | $943 | $11,321.49 |
Eligible couple | $1,415 | $16,980.36 |
Essential person | $472 | $5,673.73 |
These amounts are intended to cover basic living expenses and are adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
Importance of early payment
While the early payment in August may seem like a bonus, recipients should remember that this is not an additional payment. The early disbursement simply shifts the September payment to an earlier date, and beneficiaries will not receive another check until October.
Recipients should plan their finances accordingly, as the gap between the August 30th payment and the October payment will be slightly longer than usual. Proper budgeting and planning will help ensure that funds last throughout September.
How to verify payment details
For those who are not certain of their payment status or have questions about their benefits, the SSA provides several resources. Recipients can check their payment history, update their personal information, and access other important details through the SSA’s online portal, My Social Security. Additionally, the SSA offers customer support through its national toll-free number and local offices.