Washington, D.C. – Beneficiaries of Social Security in the United States are in for a surprise this month as some are receiving an extra check due to an unusual quirk in the Social Security Administration’s payment schedule. This anomaly will result in certain recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program that aids individuals 65 and older, as well as qualified adults and children with disabilities or blindness, receiving an extra payment at the end of May.
While this scheduling anomaly may initially cause confusion, there is no reason for concern as all beneficiaries will still receive their full benefits. The irregularity in the payment schedule will lead to beneficiaries receiving two payments in May – the usual payment on the first of the month and an additional one on the last day of the month. However, this means that there will be no payments made in June.
The payment schedule for SSI beneficiaries typically involves payments being issued on the first of each month, unless the date falls on a federal holiday or a weekend. In the event that the payment date falls on a non-business day, the payment is scheduled for the last business day prior to the weekend or holiday. Therefore, beneficiaries will receive their June payment on May 31, in addition to the standard payment they received on the first of May.
This peculiar payment schedule is not a one-time occurrence, as SSI beneficiaries also received two payments in March, and can expect the same in August, November, and December. The timing of payments varies depending on the individual’s circumstances, with those receiving both Social Security retirement benefits and SSI, along with individuals who claimed benefits before May 1997, typically receiving payments on specific dates each month.
For individuals who exclusively receive Social Security retirement benefits and first claimed benefits after May 1997, payment dates are determined by their birthdays. Those with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of the month will receive their payment on May 8, while individuals born between the 11th and 20th will be paid on May 15, and those born between the 21st and 31st will receive their payment on May 22.
If beneficiaries encounter any issues with their Social Security payments, the Social Security Administration advises waiting three business days before contacting them. Beneficiaries can also check their payment schedule online through their Social Security account or reach out to the SSA directly by phone.
As beneficiaries navigate this unique payment situation, it’s essential to stay informed about any updates or changes in the payment schedule to ensure timely receipt of benefits.