In August 2024, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive two checks, which could lead to confusion about future payments. This double payment is a situation that occurs occasionally due to the structure of the Social Security Administration (SSA) payment schedule.
A Date Change for SSI Benefits
Specifically, when the first day of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, the SSI payment is advanced to the last business day of the previous month. This is the case in August 2024, where beneficiaries will receive their regular check at the beginning of the month and another one at the end.
Supplemental Security Income is a program intended to provide financial support to people with limited income and resources, including those with disabilities and children who are blind or have disabilities who qualify to receive the benefit.
This program, administered by the SSA, differs from regular Social Security benefits, which are generally based on a person’s work history. Instead, SSI focuses on providing a safety net for those who are in the most economically vulnerable situations.
Understanding SSI payments in the remainder of 2024
The SSA payment schedule can vary each month, sometimes resulting in some beneficiaries receiving two payments in a given month. Below is the SSI payment schedule from August to December 2024, based on information provided by the SSA:
- August 2024: Payments will be made on August 1 and August 30.
- September 2024: Payments will be made on September 1.
- October 2024: Payments will be made on October 1 and October 31.
- November 2024: Payments will be on November 1.
- December 2024: Payments will be made on December 1 and December 31.
This pattern is because when the first day of the month is a weekend, the SSA advances the payment to the previous Friday, which explains the presence of two payments in months such as August, October and December. For those who depend on this income, it is crucial to keep an eye on this calendar to properly manage your monthly budget.
Some recipients may also be wondering if there will be an increase in their SSI payments later this year. The SSA annually adjusts SSI payments to reflect the cost of living, a measure known as COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment). Although an increase for 2024 has not been officially confirmed, beneficiaries should watch for SSA announcements in the coming months, as any changes would apply starting in January 2025.
What to do if you don’t receive your Social Security payments? This is what the SSA advises
In the event that a beneficiary does not receive their payment on the expected date, SSA recommends waiting at least three additional mail days before contacting them, as delays in postal delivery may occur. If after that time the check has still not arrived, it is suggested to contact the SSA directly to resolve the issue.
1. Call the Call Center:
- Telephone: 1-800-772-1213
- Time: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (local time).
- TTY (for the hearing impaired): 1-800-325-0778
2. Visit a Local SSA Office:
- You can find the nearest office using the SSA online office locator.
3. Send a Letter by Mail:
- Postal address: Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
1100 West High Rise
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
4. Contact through the Website:
- You can submit an application online or access more information through the SSA official website.
