The SSI program is a federal effort, but administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA doesn’t actually pay the SSI payments themselves but they do handle applications and distributions of those payments. SSI is designed to assist U.S. citizens with low income and minimal resources, but applicants must meet one of the following criteria: You have a qualifying disability, you are blind, or you are 65 or older.
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Payments
There are a couple of important dates to know in 2024 regarding the payment schedule for SSI. Indeed, there are still five payments for the year. But since there’s a federal holiday on Jan. 1, the final payment of Dec. 31, 2024, will be an advance payment for Jan. 2025. By doing this, the SSA will assure that recipients have money as they do not process payments on federal holidays.
Payments that happen on weekends or holidays are also rescheduled. For example, the September 1 payment, as it is a Sunday, will be made on August 30. That means the same holds true for the December payment, which normally runs Dec. 1 but will be accelerated because of a Sunday on Dec. 1, to Nov. 29, 2024.
Below is a table summarizing the key dates for SSI payments:
Month | Payment Date | Reason for Change |
---|---|---|
August | August 30 | September 1 falls on Sunday |
October | October 1 | Normal Payday |
November | November 1 | Normal Payday |
December | November 29 | December 1 falls on Sunday |
January | December 31 | January 1 is a Federal Holiday |
Applications
There are no deadlines to apply for SSI, but 2024 will see some changes that may simplify eligibility for more Americans. This September 30, 2024, the Social Security administration will implement announcements aimed at making it easier for SSI benefits to be more available. The aim is for these updates to make it easier for lower-income people to meet the qualification criteria and possibly to boost how much they pay.
Expanded Access
The one significant change to the definition of a ‘Public Assistance Household’ is this. These revisions are meant to broaden eligibility so more people and families have SSI benefits.
Revised Rental Subsidy Policy
The SSI Rental Subsidy Policy will also be expanded. Especially important to those receiving rental assistance, these changes make it possible they can start receiving higher SSI payments. The SSA adjusts the policy to help more people receive better support when their living arrangements affect how eligible they are or the amount they get paid.
Removal of Barriers
Another critical update is to take down barriers that currently suffocate benefits from some people’s SSI. This change, called ‘In Kind Support and Maintenance’ (ISM), will allow applicants to more easily navigate the system and get the help they need.
The implementation of these updates will become effective on September 30, 2024. If you’re unsure if you qualify, then wait and apply after this date. If these changes are enough to make or break it—being SSI or how much you receive—it can be important to understand them.
SSI payments are administered, but not funded, by the SSA. Proper handling of the payment schedule and changes coming to the application process can guarantee you did not receive the benefits you are entitled to. In September 2024, plans are in place that will make it easier for more Americans to qualify for and receive SSI benefits.
FAQs
Q. Does the SSA fund SSI payments?
A. No, the SSA administers but doesn’t fund SSI payments.
Q. When is the last SSI payment for 2024?
A. The last payment is on December 31, 2024, for January 2025.
Q. What happens if SSI payday is on a weekend?
A. Payments are sent the previous business day.