SSI Benefits Ending in October – Social Security Announces Changes and Upcoming Payment Date

If you’re a beneficiary of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, you likely received your latest payment on October 1st. But many are curious about when the next SSI checks will be sent out. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), recipients will receive three more payments before the end of the year.

To qualify for these benefits, applicants must meet income, asset, and resource limits set by the federal government. If you’re already receiving SSI benefits or thinking about applying, here’s what you need to know about the payment schedule and eligibility criteria.

Payments

The SSA distributes monthly SSI payments to over 7 million people who depend on these funds for essential expenses. Each month, the payment schedule ensures beneficiaries know exactly when to expect their funds. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming payment dates for the rest of 2024:

Month	Scheduled Payment Date	Extra SSI Payment Date
August	August 1st	August 30th (September 1st)
September	–	–
October	October 1st	–
November	November 1st	November 29th (December 1st)
December	–	December 31st (January 1st)

Next month, in November, SSI beneficiaries will receive two payments—one on November 1st and an additional one on November 29th. This happens because the first of December falls on a weekend, pushing the payment date forward. Similarly, due to January 1st being a holiday, the SSA will issue the January SSI payment on December 31st.

COLA

The December 31st payment will also reflect the new Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase, which will be confirmed this week. Based on current projections, the COLA could rise by 2.5%. Although these figures are not final, here’s how the increase may impact your monthly benefits:

Beneficiary Type	Current Payment	New Payment (2.5% COLA)	Increase
On Average	$698	$715	$17
Individuals	$943	$967	$24
Couples	$1,415	$1,450	$35
Essential Person	$472	$484	$12

These values are based on a projected 2.5% COLA increase and could change once the official rate is released.

Eligibility

The SSA has been helping Americans with SSI benefits since 1935, offering financial support for essential living expenses. To be eligible for SSI, applicants must meet strict income and asset guidelines. Currently, the income limit is $1,917 per month, and beneficiaries must also have limited resources.

Who Can Qualify?

• Income Limits: Individuals earning less than $1,917 per month may be eligible for SSI benefits.
• Asset and Resource Limits: To qualify, individuals must have limited assets. This includes cash, bank accounts, property, and other resources. There are specific exclusions, such as the home you live in and one vehicle.
• Payment Amounts: Eligible individuals can receive up to $943 per month, while couples may receive up to $1,415. For those who qualify as an Essential Person (EP), they may receive an additional $472.

The federal agency uses several factors to determine eligibility and payment amounts, including Social Security contributions, work history, and the type of disability. The SSA’s goal is to ensure that eligible individuals receive financial support to cover essential living costs.

How to Apply

If you think you may qualify for SSI, the application process is straightforward. Applicants can apply online through the SSA website or visit their local SSA office for assistance. During the application process, you’ll need to provide information about your income, assets, work history, and any disabilities. Make sure to have all relevant documents ready to expedite the process.

Once your application is reviewed, the SSA will determine your eligibility and notify you of the monthly payment amount.

SSI benefits can be a lifeline for those struggling to make ends meet. If you meet the income and resource requirements, applying for this program could help you cover essential living expenses.

FAQs