Seniors over 65 will not receive their monthly SSI payment in June because the Social Security Administration (SSA) moved the June payment to Friday, May 31. This shift means millions of SSI recipients will miss their monthly benefits, which range from $698 to $1,415.
The federal agency provides SSI payments to nearly 5 million low-income seniors, disabled individuals, and children who meet specific requirements. These payments include the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase to help beneficiaries keep up with rising inflation and cover their monthly expenses.
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SSI Payments
On the first day of every month, the SSA disburses Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to nearly five million low-income elderly, disabled, and child beneficiaries. However, since June 1, 2024, falls on a weekend, the payment was made on May 31. Consequently, beneficiaries will receive their next payment in their bank accounts by July 1, following the double SSI payment in May.
Who Receives SSI Payments?
SSI payments are available to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Some states may choose to match or supplement these federally administered payments.
SSDI and SSI
The primary difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is their target recipients. SSDI benefits are mainly for individuals with disabilities who have prior work experience, as the monthly benefit is based on their earnings history. SSI benefits, on the other hand, provide financial assistance to low-income seniors and disabled individuals, regardless of their work history.
SSI Recipients Per Month
On the first of July, eligible SSI recipients will receive different payment amounts based on their filing category:
- Individuals: Up to $943 monthly if they meet income and resource thresholds.
- Couples: Up to $1,415 monthly if they meet income and resource thresholds.
- Essential Persons (EP): Additional payment of $472 if they meet the EP criteria.
Your monthly SSI payment is capped at $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples, determined by the SSA’s acceptance of your income and resource requirements. Those qualifying as an Essential Person should review the SSA’s definition and requirements to see if they are eligible for this additional payment.
Confirmed Payment Dates
Millions of low-income seniors depend on their monthly SSI benefits to cover essentials like housing, daily living expenses, healthcare, entertainment, travel, and hobbies. Payments are typically made on the last business day of the previous month if the first falls on a weekend or federal holiday. According to the Social Security payment schedule for 2024, the upcoming payment dates are:
- July: Monday, 1st
- August: Thursday, 1st
- September: Friday, 30th August
- October: Tuesday, 1st
- November: Friday, 1st
- December: Friday, 29th November
Potential Changes
The SSI program, established in 1974, initially provided $140 for individuals or $210 for couples. In 2024, the maximum monthly benefit is $1,415 for couples and $943 for individuals, with the average monthly benefit around $698. Experts suggest that the program, designed as a financial lifeline for over 7 million low-income recipients, could be modernized to better serve its purpose.
The SSA plans to cut the in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) penalty by no longer counting food as unearned income. Starting September 30, the SSA will broaden the rental subsidy policy for SSI applicants and beneficiaries, and define a public assistance household to increase accessibility and eligibility. Additionally, it will be easier for beneficiaries to request waivers for overpayments, and the threshold for SSI underpayments will increase from $5,000 to $15,000, helping to reduce backlogs.
By staying informed and knowing these changes, beneficiaries can better navigate the SSI program and ensure they receive the support they need.
FAQs
Why won’t seniors receive an SSI payment in June 2024?
The SSA moved the June payment to May 31 because June 1 falls on a weekend.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is for individuals with disabilities based on their earnings history, while SSI provides financial assistance to low-income seniors and disabled individuals, regardless of work history.
How much can SSI recipients receive monthly?
Individuals can receive up to $943, couples up to $1,415, and Essential Persons may receive an additional $472.
What are the upcoming SSI payment dates for 2024?
The upcoming payment dates are July 1, August 1, September 30, October 1, November 1, and November 29.
How is the SSA modernizing the SSI program?
Changes include removing food as unearned income, broadening the rental subsidy policy, and raising the threshold for SSI underpayments, among other updates.
